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.

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“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.

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. 

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Hijacking of Jaffar Express

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.

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.