Punjab Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has said that two suspects have been identified behind the explosion outside Thakurdwara Temple in Amritsar’s Khandwala area in the early hours on Saturday.
“There were some miscreants who hurled a grenade at a temple after 12 am. There are no injuries or casualties… The situation is under control,” minister Dhaliwal confirmed.
He added that two suspects had been identified and assured the public that authorities were taking swift action. “The police are taking action, they will be caught within a day,” the minister said.
Two motorcycle-borne masked men were captured on CCTV footage lobbing an object, suspected to be an explosive, at the temple after 12 midnight.
According to eye witnesses, the two men were seen lobbing a suspicious object towards the temple. No injuries were reported, and police personnel rushed to the site and initiated an investigation into the incident .
Amritsar Commissioner GPS Bhullar has suggested the involvement of Pakistan Intel agency ISI in the blast.
“We got information at 2 am and rushed to the spot right away. A forensic team was called… We checked the CCTV and spoke to the nearby people. The thing is that Pakistan’s ISI lures our youth into creating disturbances in Punjab,” Commissioner Bhullar said.
The police official said, “We will trace this case within days and take appropriate action.” He also issued a stern warning to the youth, urging them not to ruin their lives. “I warn the youth not to ruin their lives… We will catch the culprits soon,” he said.
Police teams have seized the CCTV footage and according to a preliminary investigation, the youth on a motorcycle had a flag in his hands and duo stood around the temple for some time before lobbing the grenade at it.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today stated that there were many attempts to disturb the peace in the State.
“There are always many attempts to disturb the peace in Punjab. Drugs, gangsters, and extortion are part of it, and there are attempts to show that Punjab has become a disturbed state… During the festival of Holi, in other States, the police had to use lathicharge during processions. But such things do not happen in Punjab… The law and order situation in Punjab is good,” Mann said.
The Thakur Dwara Temple explosion comes after at least five people were injured after an assailant attacked people with an iron rod in the Golden Temple premises on Friday. The attack took place at Shri Guru Ramdas Sarai which is a lodging facility for pilgrims. (ANI)
Nitanshi Goel, the rising star of Bollywood, is celebrating a year since her breakthrough performance in Laapataa Ladies. The film, which left a lasting impact on audiences, introduced her as Phool, a character that continues to resonate with fans. Reflecting on the past year, the young actor shares how this journey has been transformative and filled with gratitude.
A Year Since Laapataa Ladies – A Career-Changing Moment
For Nitanshi, Laapataa Ladies was more than just a film—it was a milestone that changed her career. Even after a year, she is overwhelmed by the love and appreciation she continues to receive. “The fact that people still talk about it and my character Phool, it’s so special because it’s the kind of film that stays with you. It still feels like just yesterday that we were doing promotions, and someone recognized me as Phool on the streets,” she shares.
Her portrayal of Phool earned her widespread praise, making her a household name. The film’s success cemented her place in the industry and opened doors for future projects.
Growing Up in Bollywood – Challenges and Blessings
Starting her acting journey at a young age, Nitanshi acknowledges the unique challenges that come with growing up in the industry. However, she chooses to focus on the positives. “I feel lucky to have discovered my passion so early and to be able to do what I love every single day. The camera has seen me grow up and evolve, and it feels very fitting for me,” she says.
While many young actors struggle with balancing their personal and professional lives, Nitanshi embraces the learning experience. Her positive outlook has helped her navigate the industry while staying true to her passion.
Being a Gen-Z Actor in Bollywood
Bollywood is evolving, and Gen-Z actors like Nitanshi are at the forefront of this change. Talking about how the industry is different today, she explains, “We have a lot of time to learn, evolve, and have fun with our projects. There is a shift in storytelling, with fresh and relatable characters being written, and that makes the process exciting.”
Nitanshi admires the timeless charm of cinema and wants to blend both modern and classic storytelling styles. “I am mesmerized by the beauty of cinema and want to be a mix of both Gen-Z and classic cinema,” she adds.
The Shraddha Kapoor Comparison – A Dream Compliment
One of the biggest compliments Nitanshi receives from fans is being compared to Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor. She often finds comments on social media where people say she looks like a younger version of Shraddha. For Nitanshi, this is a huge honor.
“Whenever I see someone writing in my comments that I look like Shraddha Kapoor in her early years, mera din ban jata hai,” she says excitedly. “Shraddha ma’am has this effortless charm, and she’s always been loved for her warmth and relatability. If people see even a little bit of her in me, it’s a huge compliment.”
She fondly recalls how she admired Shraddha as a child. “I had seen a dance video of her performing Sun Saathiya (from ABCD 2), and that song played in my house 24/7. I kept copying her dance steps and practicing in front of the mirror. I am obsessed with her acting, dancing, and everything about her. I will always stand by as her biggest fan,” she adds.
Recognized Among the UK Top 50 Asian Celebrities
Adding to her list of achievements, Nitanshi was recently featured in the UK Top 50 Asian celebrities in the world’s list. She found herself alongside Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, as well as global stars like Simone Ashley.
Reflecting on this moment, she expresses both excitement and humility. “It’s an unusual feeling to see my name alongside such icons. It is so humbling and motivating at the same time. I have always strived to do work that reaches people beyond borders, and this just makes me want to push myself even more,” she says.
Seeing her name alongside her favorites, such as Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, made the moment even more special for her. “When I saw the list, I saw Diljit paaji’s name, and I felt my name had come in the best list. I was literally doing Balle Balle on his song!” she laughs.
What’s Next for Nitanshi Goel?
With Laapataa Ladies marking an important milestone in her career, Nitanshi is eager to take on new challenges. She is looking forward to exploring diverse roles and working on projects that push her creative boundaries.
“I want to take on roles that challenge me and bring something fresh to the audience. Whether it’s an intense drama or a lighthearted role, I want to explore it all,” she shares.
With her dedication, talent, and passion for cinema, Nitanshi Goel is undoubtedly on the path to becoming one of Bollywood’s most promising stars. As she continues to grow in the industry, fans eagerly await her next big project.
A court in Srinagar has issued a pre-cognizance notice to the organizers of a fashion show held in Gulmarg on March 7, which has sparked outrage across the Kashmir Valley.
The Special Mobile Magistrate Court in Srinagar issued the pre-cognizance notice to fashion designers Shivan and Narresh, the organizers of the show, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of ELLE India. The notice follows a complaint filed by Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Adil Nazir Khan.
Through his counsel, Advocate Naveed Bukhtiyar, the complainant urged the court to take appropriate legal action, asserting that the petition was filed in good faith and in the interest of justice.
The fashion show, organized to mark the 15th anniversary of Shivan and Narresh’s label, showcased models in skiwear against the snowy backdrop of Gulmarg. However, the event has faced sharp criticism from locals, politicians, and religious groups, who have condemned it as “obscene” and “inappropriate.The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 8.
In a recent development, the Central Government has officially notified the transfer of Justice Atul Sreedharan from the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh back to his parent Madhya Pradesh High Court
This transfer, made under Article 222(1) of the Constitution of India, follows consultation with the Chief Justice of India. The Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Justice, issued the official notification, directing Justice Sreedharan to assume charge as a Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti on Friday extended greetings on the auspicious occasion of Holi.
In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti wrote, “Holi for me has always symbolized India’s Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb. I fondly remember eagerly awaiting the festival & celebrating it with my Hindu friends with immense joy & enthusiasm.”
“However some bigots have now converted this celebration into a source of fear for minorities with the approval of those in power.” she added.
“It’s time to wake up India. Wishing everyone a Happy Holi!” Mehbooba Mufti wrote in a post.
Minister for School Education, Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare Department and Higher Education, Sakina Itoo Thursday said that Chief Minister Omar had constituted a cabinet subcommittee to look into the issue pertaining to rationalisation of reservation.
While refuting the charges of opposition MLAs, she said that there was no question of discrimination against the Jammu region or favouring the Kashmir region in the allocation of funds under any sector, including education and health.
She was replying to the debate on demands for grants for four departments under her charge – School Education, Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare Department, and Higher Education, in the Legislative Assembly.
“This is not our role to discriminate against any region. Even in the past, our government, whether headed by Farooq Abdullah or Omar Abdullah, has never discriminated against any region,” she said. “I want to assure the House that Jammu’s due share will be allocated to it and similarly Kashmir will get its right. We will neither snatch anyone’s right nor favour anyone (any region). There is no question on this account.”
Responding to the charges levelled by BJP MLA Pawan Gupta that Kashmir was allocated more funds than Jammu in these crucial sectors, Itoo said, “The statistics quoted by you (Pawan) were based on the funding requisition by hospitals or other sectors. Funds have been allocated as per requisitions. Going by those requisitions, maximum funds have been expended in Jammu and there is nothing wrong in that.”
With regard to Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Lone’s issue regarding rationalisation in the reservation, she reiterated that the CM had already constituted a cabinet subcommittee to look into it.
“This is a very sensitive issue and it is not an easy proposition to resolve it. Every aspect will have to be examined and all stakeholders will have to be consulted and taken on board. Their representation has already reached us. It is being examined. Once the committee prepares and finalises its report on this account. Sajad Sahib too will be informed,” she said.
Later the House unanimously passed grants for all these four departments, totalling over Rs 27,526.28 crore, including Rs 12,014.89 crore for the School Education Department; Rs 8813.70 crore for the Health and Medical Education Department; Rs 4504.28 crore for the Social Welfare Department, and Rs 2193.40 crore for the Higher Education Department, through a voice vote, after the members withdrew their cut motions.
In her over-long reply, the minister enumerated the achievements of all these departments.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the Chief Secretary (CS), J&K Atal Dulloo to resubmit prosecution proposal against three Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of erstwhile J&K cadre in arms licences case.
MHA, in its letter dated February 21, 2025, asked the Chief Secretary to furnish “complete proposals for grant of prosecution sanction against Yasha Mudgal, IAS (AGMUT: 2007), Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IAS (AGMUT: 2009) and Niraj Kumar, IAS (AGMUT: 2010), containing relevant enclosures, within a week of receipt” of its letter.
As per MHA letter, the relevant enclosures include “DVDs along with authenticated copies of the FIRs; disclosure statements; statements of witnesses; recovery memos; investigation report; executive summary of investigation report; draft sanction order; written statement of defence from the accused officer along with specific comments of the IO to rebut his contentions; opinion and concurrence of the Legal (Law) Department, and duly filled in checklist appended to DoPT’s OM dated July 28, 2014 to UT division, Ministry of Home Affairs.”
Referring to J&K administration’s letters dated December 27, 2024 (CC:7552508 and CC: 14842) on this subject, Under Secretary MHA, C P Vinod Kumar mentioned some missing documents, which he said, were not found enclosed with them (letters). Missing documents included a letter of CBI dated July 23, 2024 and DVD; legal opinion dated July 8, 2024; check list and DVD enclosed with CBI’s letter or proposal dated October 1, 2020.
Earlier, the MHA, in its letter dated February 12, 2025, also directed the J&K Chief Secretary to forward the CBI’s proposals for the grant of prosecution sanction against IAS officers M Raju and Prasanna Ramaswamy G to it (MHA), with the administrative approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, in the same case.
Referring to the J&K administration’s letters dated December 27, 2024 (CC: 7537079 and 7184683) on this subject (sanction of prosecution against IAS officers in arms licences case), MHA Under Secretary Rakesh Kumar Singh directed that “CBI’s proposals for grant of prosecution sanction against M Raju, IAS (AGMUT: 2005), the then DM Kargil and Prasanna Ramaswamy G, IAS (AGMUT: 2010), the then DM Leh may be forwarded to the MHA with the administrative approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.”
MHA has revealed it in its status report filed before the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Jammu in the case of Sheikh Mohd Shafi and Another versus Union of India and Others, in compliance with its (court) order dated January 2, 2025.
MHA, in its status report, mentioned that the J&K administration vide its four letters dated December 27, 2024, had forwarded a “proposal for granting sanction for prosecution” against these five IAS officers of erstwhile J&K cadre “in connection with fraudulent issuance of gun licenses in violation of procedural norms and also in exchange for pecuniary benefits.”
As per the MHA letter, the response of the J&K government was awaited.
Earlier, the General Administration Department (GAD) of the J&K Government vide its status report dated December 27, 2024, had informed the Division Bench of High Court of J&K and Ladakh in this case that the J&K Government on December 27, 2024, forwarded its views and comments to MHA with regard to three IAS officers namely Yasha Mudgal, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and Niraj Kumar for a final decision in the matter.
In the status report, it was also submitted that with regard to IAS officer P K Pole, the views and comments of UT of J&K were being compiled and formulated and were at the advanced stage of the examination.
With regard to IAS officer Prasanna Ramaswamy G, it was submitted that since the event occurred in the jurisdiction of UT of Ladakh, it needed further examination with regard to jurisdictional aspects for giving comments in the matter.
In this regard, a communication bearing No GAD-VIGOSP/74/2024-09-GAD (C No 7537079) dated December 27, 2024, was forwarded to MHA for clarification, J&K Government had mentioned in its status report.
Similar views were referred to in the status report with regard to IAS officer M Raju and GAD had also submitted to the court its communication dated December 27, 2024, to MHA for clarification.
With regard to IAS officers Jitendra Kumar Singh (the then District Magistrate Kathua), Prasanna Ramaswamy G (the then District Magistrate Kathua) and Ramesh Kumar (the then District Magistrate Kathua), it was submitted that the matter was under active examination in the GAD.
The next hearing of the case is on March 20, 2025.
The CBI was handed over this case in 2017 by then Governor N N Vohra. According to CBI, during the period between 2012-16, around 1.53 lakh arms licences in Jammu division and around 1.21 lakh in Kashmir division were issued by the then District Magistrates, allegedly on forged documents against monetary gains.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said pitting Hindus and Muslims against each other will have dangerous consequences for the country.
She was reacting to controversies over Holi celebrations and Friday prayers coinciding on Friday during Ramadhan.“The atmosphere across the country is being vitiated. Earlier Holi was celebrated together by Hindus and Muslims like Eid,” Mufti told reporters in the Shopian district of south Kashmir.
The PDP president alleged that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has “vitiated the atmosphere” in the state.“The attitude towards Muslim is totally wrong. Hindus and Muslims in the country used to live happily but these people are spreading poison,” she said.Mufti said the consequences of vitiating the atmosphere would be dangerous.
“Pakistan’s former president Zia ul Haq had created a similar atmosphere in the country and it (Pakistan) is yet to overcome that. They are sowing the same poison here and its consequences will be dangerous for the country in the times to come,” she added.
Mufti expressed the hope that better sense prevails.
“I pray to God that good sense prevails and they do not pit Hindus and Muslims against each other. Holi is a good festival and everybody enjoys it. Let Hindus play Holi and Muslims offer prayers on Friday,” she said.
The former chief minister of the erstwhile state of J-K accused the BJP leadership of “trying to keep the pot simmering as they cannot give anything to the people in UP”.“They want to make them happy by unleashing atrocities on the Muslim community,” she added.
A total of 76 terrorists, including 59 foreign militants from Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), are currently active in Jammu and Kashmir, government sources said on Thursday.
The data shows a sharp decline in the number of active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, where a total of 91 terrorists were active in the corresponding period in 2024.
Among the 76 active terrorists, 17 are local terrorists operating within the Union Territory– which has been hotspot for militancy and terrorism since the late 1980s, with insurgency fueled by Pakistan-based terror groups, cross-border infiltration, and radicalization efforts.
Of the 59 active Foreign Terrorists, the sources said, three belong to Hizbul Mujahideen, 21 from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and 35 from Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, three of 17 Local Terrorists are active in Jammu and 14 in the Valley.
Of the 91 active terrorists in 2024, 61 were foreign terrorists and 30 local terrorists.
The data mentions that a total of 135 terrorists were active in 2022. Of them, 85 were foreign terrorists, and 50 were local terrorists. Compared with the figure of active terrorists in 2022, there was a nearly 48. 35 per decline in the number of active terrorists in 2023.
Officers privy to the development told ANI that the majority of the active terrorists belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed terrorist organisation.
The continuous decline in the number of active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of intensifying counter-terrorism operations in the region, focusing on tracking and neutralizing active militants.
The government has reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism and ensuring peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as intelligence agencies work to identify and dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
Pakistan-based groups, primarily JeM and LeT, have been responsible for major attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2016 Uri attack, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. These groups operate with logistical support from across the border, using infiltration routes along the Line of Control (LoC).
Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) has traditionally focused on recruiting local militants.
In recent years, radicalization via social media has contributed to the rise of “homegrown” militants in Kashmir. However, recruitment has significantly declined due to security forces’ targeted operations.
As per the data, a total of 72 terrorists were neutralised in 2023. Of them, 22 were local terrorists, and 50 were foreign terrorists. In 2022, a total of 187 terrorists were neutralized, comprising 130 local terrorists and 57 foreign terrorists.
While militancy-related violence and local recruitment have gone down significantly in Kashmir Valley, militants seem to have shifted the focus seemingly towards Jammu, which was a militancy-free region before August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was read down. (ANI)
A day after the successful rescue operation, the Foreign Office said on Thursday that the terrorists involved in the attack on the Jaffar Express were in contact with ring leaders in Afghanistan.
“India has been involved in terrorism in Pakistan. In the particular attack on Jaffar express, the terrorists had been in contact with their handlers and ring leaders in Afghanistan,” FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said during his weekly press briefing.
The rescue operation for the Jaffar Express attack has been completed, and intelligence suggests that the terrorists were in contact with their associates in Afghanistan, he mentioned.
The statement comes after security forces eliminated all 33 Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists who had hijacked the Jaffar Express which was carrying more than 400 passengers — who were taken hostage.
The military has said that all hostages have been freed, but 21 passengers were martyred by the terrorists before the clearance operation had commenced. Also, four FC personnel were also martyred during the attack in the Mushqaf area of the Bolan district.
The Foreign Office spokesperson added that intercepted calls confirmed links between the attackers and Afghanistan. “The terrorists have safe havens in Afghanistan, and Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan interim government to prevent groups like the BLA from using its soil for terrorism,” he said.
He also mentioned that Pakistan does not discuss diplomatic contacts on public forums but has consistently shared detailed evidence of such incidents with Afghanistan.
He emphasised that Pakistan’s primary focus remains on strengthening friendly and close ties with Afghanistan, while counterterrorism remains a key area of cooperation with international partners.
Pakistani policemen demonstrate their skills during a special elite police training course at a police training centre in Nowshera, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province on February 11, 2015. Dozens of male and female police took part in a commando training course, introduced by the local police as an additional skill for the police to be deployed to confront terrorism and extremism which is routinely on the rise in this South Asian nuclear-armed country. AFP PHOTO / A MAJEED
Following the operation, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the Jaffer Express incident changed the rules of the game.
“Whoever did this will be hunted down and brought to justice,” he added. He added that the terrorists had nothing to do with Islam, Pakistan and Balochistan.
In a statement, the ISPR said that intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed that the attack was orchestrated and directed by terrorist ring leaders operating from Afghanistan, who were in direct communication with the terrorists throughout the incident.
On March 11, 2025, Pakistan witnessed one of its most harrowing railway attacks when the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was hijacked by militants affiliated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The train, carrying over 400 passengers, became the center of a violent hostage situation in the Mushkaf area of Balochistan’s Bolan district. The attack resulted in multiple casualties and underscored the persistent security threats facing Pakistan’s railway infrastructure.
The Hijacking Incident
The Jaffar Express was intercepted by a heavily armed group of BLA militants as it traveled through the rugged terrain of Balochistan. The attackers, numbering several dozen, took control of the train and held approximately 450 passengers hostage. The militants demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and threatened to execute passengers if their demands were not met.
During the ordeal, the hijackers segregated passengers based on regional affiliations, specifically targeting security personnel and other individuals they deemed as threats. Before any rescue operation could be mounted, 21 passengers lost their lives at the hands of the attackers, adding to the tragedy of the incident.
The Rescue Operation
Pakistan’s security forces, including hundreds of troops and elite special forces units, launched a large-scale operation to free the hostages. The mission was particularly challenging due to the terrain, which provided natural cover for the militants, making direct engagement risky.
After hours of intense fighting, all 33 attackers were killed in the confrontation. The security forces successfully rescued the remaining hostages, who were transported to Quetta for medical attention and psychological support. The successful operation was hailed as a testament to the preparedness of Pakistan’s security forces in handling terrorist threats.
The Baloch Liberation Army’s Involvement
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist militant organization that has been active in Balochistan for decades. The group demands greater autonomy and control over the province’s natural resources. The BLA has previously targeted infrastructure projects, security forces, and government installations.
The hijacking of the Jaffar Express marks one of the most audacious attacks by the group, demonstrating its ability to conduct high-profile operations against civilian targets. The attack highlighted the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan and raised concerns about the group’s growing operational capabilities.
Government and International Response
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism. He emphasized the need for stronger security measures to protect railway passengers and prevent such incidents in the future.
Internationally, the attack drew widespread condemnation. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and China expressed solidarity with Pakistan, offering support in counter-terrorism efforts. The hijacking also reignited discussions about Pakistan’s internal security challenges and the need for international cooperation in combating regional insurgencies.
Background on the Jaffar Express
The Jaffar Express is a major passenger train operated by Pakistan Railways. It runs between Quetta and Rawalpindi, covering a distance of approximately 1,458 kilometers. Named after Mir Jaffar Khan Jamali, a notable figure in Pakistan’s independence movement, the train serves as a crucial transport link for thousands of passengers.
A paramilitary soldier stands guard at a railway station in the Sibi district of southwestern Balochistan province on March 12, 2025, during a security operation against militants a day after they hijacked a passenger train. Pakistan security forces launched a “full-scale” operation on March 12, to rescue train passengers taken hostage by militants in the mountainous southwest. Militants bombed a section of the railway track and stormed the train on March 12 afternoon in southwest Balochistan province, where attacks by separatists have been on the rise. (Photo by Banaras KHAN / AFP)
Inaugurated on April 16, 2003, the train stops at several key cities, including Sibi, Sukkur, Multan, and Lahore. The journey typically takes around 28 hours and 30 minutes, offering economy and business class accommodations.
Previous Attacks on the Jaffar Express
The Jaffar Express has been a frequent target of terrorist attacks over the years, particularly in Balochistan. Some of the most notable attacks include:
August 16, 2013: A rocket attack by the BLA in Dozan, near Machh, killed two passengers.
October 21, 2013: A bomb explosion in Naseerabad killed seven people and injured 17 others.
April 8, 2014: The United Baloch Army (UBA) orchestrated a bombing at Sibi station, killing 16 and injuring 44.
January 20, 2023: A bomb blast derailed the train, injuring at least 13 passengers.
These incidents highlight the long-standing security challenges faced by Pakistan Railways, especially in Balochistan.
Conclusion
The hijacking of the Jaffar Express serves as a grim reminder of the persistent insurgency in Balochistan and the security vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s railway system. The attack underscored the urgent need for enhanced counter-terrorism measures, improved intelligence-sharing, and greater regional cooperation to prevent future incidents.
While the rescue operation was a success, the loss of innocent lives highlights the devastating impact of terrorism. Addressing the root causes of militancy, strengthening security protocols, and fostering dialogue remain crucial steps toward achieving lasting peace in the region.
