PM calls for unity in combating terrorism following Balochistan train attack

Quetta: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that Pakistan cannot progress until the issue of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is addressed.

While speaking at a meeting in Quetta on the law and order situation, he emphasized that Balochistan's development must match that of other provinces for the country to move forward.

He also paid tribute to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and the security forces for their successful operation in freeing 339 passengers of the Jaffar Express, who were held hostage by terrorists in the Bolan area. He condemned the terrorists for attacking the train during the holy month of Ramadan and highlighted the importance of working together to eliminate terrorism in the country. The Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan cannot afford another attack like this one.

PM Shehbaz praised the sacrifices of security forces during the Jaffar Express hijacking and made it clear that any propaganda against the soldiers and martyrs will not be tolerated. He arrived in Quetta to express solidarity with the people and review the situation following the deadly train attack.

The incident occurred when terrorists from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, which was carrying more than 400 passengers. The hijacking took place on Tuesday, and the security forces successfully rescued all the hostages after a two-day operation. During the operation, the terrorists remained in contact with their facilitators in Afghanistan through satellite phones.

Units from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Special Services Group (SSG), Army, and Frontier Corps (FC) were involved in the operation. While the hostages were freed, the terrorists had already killed 21 passengers before the operation began. Four FC personnel also lost their lives during the attack in the Bolan district.

A day earlier, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, announced the completion of the operation. He vowed that those responsible for the attack would be hunted down and brought to justice. The military's snipers played a crucial role in neutralizing suicide bombers who had used the hostages as human shields.

Following the attack, emergency measures were taken in Sibi, and the wounded passengers were transferred to hospitals in Quetta. A total of 29 injured passengers were brought to the city, with 16 taken to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and 13 to the Civil Hospital. The hospital staff confirmed that the condition of the injured passengers is stable and that they are out of danger. Additionally, 47 other passengers were transported to Quetta from Mach.

The operation and rescue efforts have been praised by officials, and the government has vowed to continue fighting terrorism in the region.