Government and Opposition Clash Over Jaffar Express Hijacking Incident

Asad Qaiser Blames Government Incompetence for Jaffar Express Attack

By DTD- On Mar 13, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government and opposition parties clashed on Thursday over the recent Jaffar Express train hijacking in Balochistan, where more than two dozen people lost their lives. The tragic incident, carried out by militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), sparked a heated debate between Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and PTI leader Asad Qaiser during the National Assembly session.

The hijacking, which took place in Balochistan’s Bloan region, involved militants who blew up the rail tracks and opened fire on the Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The attack resulted in 21 hostages killed and four security personnel martyred. However, security forces managed to kill all 33 attackers after a day-long standoff and rescued numerous hostages.

During the assembly session, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif strongly condemned the terrorist attack and accused PTI of not adequately condemning such incidents. He criticized the opposition for downplaying the attack and spreading misinformation on social media, including a false claim that 100 people had died in the incident. Asif also questioned the PTI’s reluctance to condemn terrorist groups like the BLA and accused them of undermining national security.

In response, PTI leader Asad Qaiser blamed the government’s incompetence for the attack and said that Pakistan must address the root causes of terrorism. He also criticized the legitimacy of the current assemblies and called for fresh elections, arguing that the government had failed to tackle pressing national issues, including inflation and the deteriorating situation in Sindh.

Despite the ongoing political differences, the National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the Jaffar Express hijacking and praising the efforts of Pakistan’s military, law enforcement agencies, and other security forces for their role in neutralizing the terrorists.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed concern over the increasing terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that the unrest in Balochistan could spread to other parts of the country if not addressed. He also criticized the lack of political unity, urging all political forces to unite in the fight against terrorism.

The opposition and the government remain at odds over the handling of the terrorist attack, and both sides continue to argue over the country’s security strategy and governance.