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Islamabad, Pakistan – On March 11, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack shook Pakistan when militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The train, carrying approximately 450 passengers, was targeted in a remote mountainous region between Pehro Kunri and Mushkaf stations. The attackers, after planting eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the tracks, brought the train to a halt, before opening fire on the passengers.
The BLA issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners, while holding the passengers hostage. The attack, which claimed the lives of at least 64 people—including 18 soldiers and 33 militants—has once again thrust Pakistan’s ongoing battle against terrorism into the global spotlight.
In a rapid response, Pakistan’s military launched ‘Operation Green Bolan,’ which successfully freed 354 hostages and neutralized 33 militants, bringing the situation to a close. However, the attack’s profound impact reverberated well beyond Pakistan’s borders.
UNSC Calls for Justice Against Perpetrators
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, calling for justice against the perpetrators.
In a strongly worded statement, UNSC President Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark) described the attack as “heinous and cowardly” and offered condolences to the victims and their families.
“This reprehensible act of terrorism resulted in the grievous loss of at least 25 Pakistani nationals. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed that the attack was carried out by its Majeed Brigade,” the UNSC statement read.
The Security Council emphasized that terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, urging for urgent action against the perpetrators.
“The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice,” it added.
The UNSC further stressed that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomsoever committed”, urging global efforts under international law to combat terrorism.
OIC Expresses Solidarity with Pakistan
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also strongly condemned the attack, reaffirming its rejection of all forms of terrorism.
“OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha extended his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims,” the OIC stated.
He further reiterated the OIC’s solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
Pakistan has been battling terrorist groups for decades, with Baloch separatists and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) posing major security threats in different regions. Islamabad has repeatedly urged regional and global stakeholders to take concrete action against terrorist safe havens and their financial backers.
Pakistan Accuses Foreign Backing for BLA
Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have long maintained that the BLA receives foreign funding and training, particularly from India and Afghanistan. Following the attack, Islamabad accused external actors of fueling unrest in Balochistan.
Pakistani authorities cited evidence of cross-border terrorist networks, emphasizing that groups like the BLA operate with foreign backing.
Islamabad has also urged Kabul to take action against anti-Pakistan elements operating from Afghan soil, particularly in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, which left a security vacuum in the region.
Afghanistan and India Reject Allegations
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi dismissed Pakistan’s claims as “baseless accusations,” urging Islamabad to focus on its own security challenges.
“Instead of making such irresponsible remarks, Pakistani authorities should focus on their own security and internal issues,” Balkhi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also rejected Pakistan’s allegations, stating:
“Pakistan must look inwards instead of pointing fingers and shifting the blame for its internal problems and failures on to others.”
Pakistan has consistently accused New Delhi of backing terrorist activities in Balochistan, citing the 2016 arrest of Indian intelligence officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who confessed to orchestrating attacks inside Pakistan.
International Condemnation
The Jaffar Express attack has drawn sharp criticism and condemnation from the global community, with several countries reaffirming their support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
United States
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to helping Pakistan combat terrorism, stating:
“The United States stands in solidarity with Pakistan during this time and will remain its steadfast partner in efforts to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens. The Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear.”
China
China, a key strategic ally of Pakistan, pledged to enhance counterterrorism cooperation.
“China has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan and vowed to continue its firm support to Pakistan in combating terrorism. China stands ready to strengthen counter-terrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan.”
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin personally conveyed his condolences to Pakistan.
“Please accept my profound condolences on the tragic aftermath of the terrorist attack on a passenger train in the Province of Balochistan.”
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government denounced the attack and called for collective efforts against terrorism.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan. We stand with Pakistan in this difficult time and reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Turkey
Turkey pledged to continue working with Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts.
“We strongly condemn the heinous attack in Balochistan. Turkey stands with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and conveys its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families.”
European Union
The EU’s External Action Service called for regional and global collaboration against terrorism.
“The European Union strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Pakistan and expresses condolences to the families of the victims. Global efforts are needed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism.”
Pakistan Implements Stringent Security Measures
Following the attack, Pakistan Railways has temporarily suspended train services in Balochistan, citing security concerns. The government has introduced new counterterrorism measures, including:
- Enhanced security for railway infrastructure.
- Stricter passenger screenings and intelligence-based operations.
- Nationwide crackdown on terrorist networks and their financiers.
Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the attack, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowing to bring all culprits to justice.
“The enemies of peace have been sent to hell,” Sharif declared, adding that Pakistan would not tolerate terrorism on its soil.
Also See: Jaffar Express Tragedy: Known Evils, Unanswered Questions
Regional Tensions and the Future of Counterterrorism
The Jaffar Express attack highlights the growing security threats Pakistan faces amid regional instability. Despite launching extensive counterterrorism operations, including Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, terrorist groups continue to target critical infrastructure.
With global organizations like the UNSC and OIC now calling for swift justice, Islamabad is expected to push for stronger international action against state sponsors of terrorism.
As Pakistan fortifies its counterterrorism strategy, the attack has once again placed Balochistan at the center of regional security concerns, demanding urgent action from both domestic and international stakeholders.
