The Jaffar Express hijacking has intensified concerns over terrorism in Balochistan, with Pakistan’s military accusing India of sponsoring insurgent activities in the region. DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry revealed in a press conference that Indian and Afghan weapons were used in the attack, linking it to ongoing efforts to destabilize Pakistan.
The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon, when Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists ambushed the Peshawar-bound train carrying 440 passengers. The gunmen opened fire, planted explosives, and took hostages. Security forces launched a two-day rescue mission, neutralizing all 33 terrorists without harming any hostages during the final phase.
Details of the Attack
Lt Gen Chaudhry explained that the terrorists selected a remote location with no telecommunication signals, making a rescue operation difficult. They divided hostages into two groups—one kept inside the train and the other gathered outside. Suicide bombers were part of the group, increasing the risk of mass casualties.
The attackers disabled the train with an IED, took strategic positions on high ground, and tried to control the passengers. They also released some hostages based on ethnic affiliations, attempting to portray themselves as acting on humanitarian grounds. However, authorities dismissed this claim as a false narrative.
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Pakistan’s Response and Hostage Rescue
The Zarrar Company of the Special Services Group (SSG) led the rescue mission. Security forces moved cautiously to eliminate suicide bombers before launching the final attack. Drone footage showed hostages running to safety as commandos cleared the train, moving bogey by bogey.
The entire operation was completed in 36 hours, with no hostage casualties during the final phase. However, 26 passengers were martyred before security forces could intervene. 354 passengers were safely rescued.
India Accused of Sponsoring Terrorism
DG ISPR directly blamed India for supporting terrorist networks in Balochistan. He played video clips showing Indian officials discussing efforts to destabilize Pakistan. He also accused Indian media of spreading fake footage and AI-generated images to manipulate the narrative.
“The Jaffar Express attack is part of the same policy,” he stated, emphasizing that foreign elements were backing insurgent groups in Pakistan. He added that intelligence had confirmed the attack was coordinated from Afghanistan, where terrorists remained in contact with their handlers.
No Intelligence Failure, Says Military
When asked if the attack reflected an intelligence failure, DG ISPR rejected the claim. He stated that Pakistan’s security agencies prevent thousands of attacks every year.
He highlighted that 1,250 terrorists were eliminated in 2024 and 2025, but 563 security personnel were martyred in the fight against terrorism.
Balochistan’s Rising Terror Threat
Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist attacks over the past year. The BLA, designated a terrorist organization in 2006, has carried out multiple large-scale attacks, including:
- November 2024: Suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station, killing 26 people.
- August 2024: Coordinated attacks across the province, leaving 50 dead.
- February 2025: Massacre of seven bus passengers in Barkhan.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan to take action against TTP and BLA safe havens, but Afghan authorities deny involvement.
Call for National Unity
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir held a high-level security conference in Quetta. They reaffirmed the state’s commitment to crushing terrorism and called for national unity in countering external threats.
CM Sarfaraz Bugti denounced the attackers, calling them “purely evil forces” with no connection to Baloch identity or Islam. He warned that Pakistan’s security forces have the capacity and capability to eliminate terrorism “very soon.”
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