During a joint press conference in Islamabad on Friday, DG ISPR, accompanied by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, provided details of the recent terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express. The attack was carried out by separatist militants affiliated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
The train, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, came under attack in the Dhadar region of the Bolan Pass, where over 400 passengers were taken hostage. Security forces launched a successful rescue operation, freeing the hostages and eliminating all assailants.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to DG ISPR, the assault began at approximately 1 PM when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated, halting the train in a mountainous area. Before this, militants had already attacked a nearby Frontier Corps (FC) checkpost, killing three soldiers.
“The BLA militants had positioned themselves in multiple groups across the surrounding hills,” he explained. “They took passengers hostage, separating women and children inside the train while moving the remaining hostages to different locations outside.”
On the evening of March 11, the attackers released a group of hostages based on their ethnicity, further escalating tensions.
Rescue Operation – A Tactical Success
Detailing the counter-terrorism operation, DG ISPR highlighted that security forces encircled the area on March 12, engaging in a fierce firefight with the militants. Some hostages managed to escape amid the chaos.
Remarkably, not a single hostage was killed in the operation, which the DG ISPR hailed as one of the most successful rescue missions in global history, considering the complex terrain and presence of suicide bombers.
“This was the most successful hostage rescue operation in the world, given the challenging landscape and threats we faced,” he remarked. “Despite all odds, our forces executed the mission with precision, ensuring minimal casualties.”
Regional Instability and External Involvement
The military spokesperson linked the attack to broader regional instability, particularly Afghanistan’s role in harboring and training terrorists. He asserted that many of the assailants had links to Afghan-based militant groups, and that foreign intelligence networks were orchestrating attacks within Pakistan’s borders.
DG ISPR further accused India of being the primary sponsor of terrorism in Balochistan, stating that the Jaffar Express attack was part of a continued campaign to destabilize Pakistan.
“The main backer of terrorism in Balochistan, and in previous incidents, is our eastern neighbor. The Jaffar Express attack is another example of India’s long-standing terrorist agenda,” he stated.
India’s Media and Misinformation Campaign
He also accused Indian media of running an information warfare campaign in support of the BLA, alleging that as soon as the attack occurred, Indian news outlets began glorifying the militants.
“Indian media immediately started broadcasting in favor of the terrorists,” he said. “They used AI-generated footage and recycled old social media videos to mislead the public and promote the BLA’s propaganda.”
To substantiate these claims, DG ISPR presented video clips and slides, including statements from convicted Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, as evidence of India’s involvement in fueling unrest in Balochistan.
Condemnation and Response
Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti thanked the international community for condemning the attack and reaffirmed that the BLA does not represent the Baloch people.
“These individuals have no connection to the Baloch community,” he stated. “This is not about Baloch identity or rights—it is about terrorism, and they will be treated accordingly.”
He further dismissed the BLA’s claims of being a “liberal” group, asserting that their real backer is India’s intelligence agency, RAW.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with Pakistan’s security forces vowing to take decisive action against all elements involved in terrorism within the country.
