Taliban Junks Pakistan’s Claims Of Afghan Involvement In Balochistan Train Hijacking

The Taliban on Thursday dismissed Pakistan's allegations that militants based in Afghanistan were involved in the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan.

"We categorically reject the baseless accusations made by the Pakistani army spokesperson linking the attack on a passenger train in Balochistan to Afghanistan. We urge Pakistan to focus on addressing its own security and internal challenges rather than making such irresponsible statements," said Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

On Tuesday, separatist militants hijacked a passenger train travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, holding hundreds of passengers hostage in Balochistan's Bolan region. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) later claimed responsibility for the attack.

This response follows reports that Pakistan had accused terrorist leaders operating from Afghanistan of orchestrating the attack. Intelligence sources allegedly traced direct communications between these leaders and the assailants.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Pakistani Army announced on Wednesday that security forces had concluded an operation to free the hostages, eliminating all 33 militants involved. The operation resulted in the deaths of 21 passengers and four Pakistani soldiers.

"The armed forces successfully completed the operation on Wednesday evening, neutralising all terrorists and safely rescuing the passengers," said Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry.

However, the Baloch Liberation Army refuted these claims, asserting that the fighting was still ongoing and that Pakistani forces were incurring significant losses.

"The reality on the ground is that the battle continues on multiple fronts, and the enemy-the Pakistani military-is suffering heavy casualties and military setbacks," the group stated.

"The occupying army has neither secured victory on the battlefield nor managed to rescue its personnel held hostage," the statement added.

The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group, is campaigning for an independent Balochistan, seeking to break away from Pakistan.