Quetta, Pakistan: Terrorist attack on unarmed innocent people in Jaffar Express has again testified how the land of Afghanistan is being used for cross-border terrorism in Pakistan as it has been confirmed through geofencing that terrorists were constantly in contact with their masters through GSM tools and satellite telephones sitting in Afghanistan.
There are reports that the attack was a collective operation of BLA, Majeed Brigade and TTP (officially called Khwarjis).
The terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in the Balochistan region on March 11, 2025, is a sad incident, no matter how much it is condemned. According to security sources, the terrorists stopped the train inside a tunnel in the Bolan Pass area and took the passengers hostage, including women and children.
Right after the attack, a huge media campaign surfaced in social as well as in Indian mainstream media against the Pakistan Army that confirmed that the attack was not only physically planned but it had a narrative building component. Cyber-security sources claim that an anti-state social media campaign is reproducing and redistributed by anti-state accounts within Pakistan, and the majority of handles are the same that have always been involved in spreading misleading, false, and fake propaganda.
It is also claimed that PTI supporters are an active part of this campaign against Pakistan and Pakistan Army and contributing to create panic through the distribution of fake news, AI-generated content, deep fake graphics, WhatsApp messages, and posters.
Official circles are of the view that Balochistan has been a victim of terrorism and sabotage for a long time. Armed separatists, banned organizations and foreign conspiracies have severely damaged peace and stability in this region. The attack on the Jaffar Express is a continuation of this ongoing terrorism, which has once again proven that enemy elements are trying to sabotage the peace of Pakistan. There have been several major terrorist attacks in the past, targeting innocent civilians, security forces, and infrastructure.
“There are many reasons for terrorism in Balochistan, the biggest of which is foreign interference and financial support of terrorist organizations against Chinese interests (CPEC) and foreign investments in the mining sector;” commented a retired federal Secretary who had been part of the security organizations in the past.
India and other countries are accused of supporting Baloch separatist organizations to weaken Pakistan, and as Balochistan is rich in mineral resources, and many foreign powers want to achieve their interests by creating instability here. Development projects like Gwadar Airport and Reko Diq are the guarantee of the prosperity of Balochistan, and the elements sabotaging these projects are the enemies of the Baloch people. For the peace and development of Balochistan, it is necessary to eliminate terrorism in collaboration with the government and security forces.
Such terrorist elements are not only against the principles of Islam but also enemies of peace in Pakistan and Balochistan. Their only aim is to spread bloodshed and unrest to prevent the development and prosperity of Balochistan. These terrorist elements who are weakening the Baloch people and the state of Pakistan are trying to mislead the Baloch people by creating false narratives in the name of religion and nationality.
It is also sad that personalities like Marang Baloch, who call themselves representatives of the rights of the Baloch people, remain silent every time on such terrorist attacks in which innocent Baloch people are targeted. Most of the missing persons whom she has been advocating for are found involved in such terrorist attacks. When innocent Baloch women, children, and elders are victims of terrorism, are these innocent lives worthless? Are their rights of no importance? Is it not necessary to condemn such incidents? Their one-sided narrative has become a cover-up for terrorists and support for conspiracies against the peace and development of Balochistan. Now it is time for the Baloch people to recognize such duplicity and hold accountable such elements who reinforce the narrative of terrorism for the peace, stability and development of their region.
Latest updates:
- Security forces have successfully rescued 104 passengers from terrorists, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, according to security sources. As of now, 16 terrorists have been eliminated, and 17 injured passengers have been transferred to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
- Additional security forces have been deployed in the area to support the operation, ensuring that the situation is brought under control, they added.
- The attackers stopped the Jaffar Express inside Tunnel No 8 and took control of the train.
- According to security sources, the terrorists have been using women and children as human shields, further complicating the operation.
- The use of human shields and the challenging terrain has led to the operation being carried out with extreme caution, the sources said. Security forces have vowed to continue the operation until the last terrorist is eliminated.
- The operation will continue until all the terrorists have been eliminated and the hostages are safely rescued, security sources stated.
Advice from Government
Government of Pakistan has advised the public to rely on verified sources for accurate information, as opposed to the fabricated propaganda currently circulating on social media.
Response of Military circles
Military circles are of the view that Pakistan Army has always taken strict action against terrorism in Balochistan. The security forces are engaged in defending the homeland by sacrificing their lives, and terrorists will be eliminated at any cost. The people of Balochistan are united against such terrorist elements and their supporters. The entire nation will have to stand with its forces to eradicate this scourge of terrorism.
