POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

In a major counterterrorism operation, Pakistan’s security forces successfully neutralized 33 terrorists after the hijacking of Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The attack, orchestrated by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists, resulted in the loss of 21 passengers and four Frontier Corps personnel. However, no hostages were harmed during the final rescue operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed.
The hijacking took place on Tuesday afternoon when militants ambushed the train, opening fire and taking passengers hostage. Security forces launched a two-day operation, culminating in the elimination of the assailants by Wednesday evening.
Terrorist Links to Afghanistan Confirmed
During a press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan revealed that intelligence reports traced communication between the attackers and their handlers in Afghanistan. He reiterated that while Pakistan has consistently condemned India’s role in sponsoring terrorism, this particular attack was directed from Afghan soil.
Pakistan has long urged the interim Afghan government to take firm action against militant groups such as the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and BLA, which operate across the border. Relations between the two countries have been increasingly strained due to rising terrorist activity in Pakistan.
Rising Terrorism in Pakistan
The attack on Jaffar Express comes amid a surge in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), February saw a sharp increase in civilian casualties due to terrorist attacks. In 79 incidents, 55 civilians and 47 security personnel lost their lives. However, security forces also ramped up counterterrorism efforts, eliminating 156 militants.
Pakistan continues to push Afghanistan to prevent the use of its soil for anti-Pakistan activities. Diplomatic channels remain open, but authorities stress that terrorism remains a major obstacle in improving bilateral ties.