PM Shehbaz Arrives in Quetta for Security Briefing on Jaffar Express Attack

QUETTA: Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reached Quetta today in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express, which claimed the lives of 21 people, including four security personnel.

The premier is scheduled to chair a high-level security meeting, during which he will receive a comprehensive briefing on the incident.

Security agencies are expected to present details of the rescue operation and the counterterrorism measures taken to eliminate the perpetrators. Key decisions regarding future security strategies will also be made.

According to sources, the prime minister will attend the funeral prayers of those martyred in the attack. COAS General Munir will also be present for the meeting, underscoring the military’s commitment to strengthening counterterrorism efforts in the region.

Jaffar Express attack: Operation successfully concluded

The security forces successfully completed an operation against the terrorists responsible for the attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan. The operation resulted in the killing of all 33 terrorists involved, while 21 passengers, including four soldiers, embraced martyrdom.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in a statement, disclosed that the terrorists had detonated a railway track in the Aosipur area of Bolan at approximately 1 am on March 11. The explosion derailed the Jaffar Express, which was carrying 440 passengers.

Speaking to a private news channel, DG ISPR stated that the terrorists used hostages, including women and children, as human shields, making the rescue operation highly sensitive. He noted that the Pakistan Army, in coordination with the Air Force, Frontier Corps (FC), and Special Services Group (SSG), executed a complex counterterrorism operation, ensuring the safe evacuation of the majority of hostages.

“The attack on civilians on roads, trains, and markets is unacceptable. The military remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate terrorism,” DG ISPR emphasized.

Changing the ‘Rules of the game’

DG ISPR termed the attack as a turning point in Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy, stating that the incident has changed the “rules of the game.” He revealed that suicide bombers among the terrorists were neutralized with precision strikes, preventing further casualties.

Security forces reported that the assailants had been in communication with handlers in Afghanistan. While the majority were eliminated, some managed to escape into nearby areas. Intelligence operations are underway to trace and neutralize any remaining elements.

“The terrorists divided the hostages into three groups, each under the watch of a suicide bomber. However, the security forces executed the mission with absolute precision, ensuring the safe rescue of the hostages,” he added.

Foreign elements and misinformation campaigns

The ISPR chief also condemned the role of foreign elements in fueling terrorism in Pakistan. He criticized Indian media for spreading false narratives about the incident, accusing them of using AI-generated content and outdated footage to manipulate facts.

He further pointed out that certain political and social elements within the country exploit terror incidents for personal gain, rather than condemning such acts. “Some political forces are compromising national interests in their pursuit of power,” he remarked.

Political leadership urged to act

The DG ISPR called for the effective implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) to counter terrorism and extremism. He urged political leaders to take proactive steps to address security concerns, questioning their role in building a united national narrative against terrorism.

Read more: Justice Ali Baqar Najfi appointed acting Chief Justice of LHC

“Our security forces conduct over 160 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) daily. The fight against terrorism requires collective efforts beyond just military action,” he stressed.

Rescue operations and passenger evacuation

Security forces confirmed that 190 passengers had been safely rescued, while a relief train was dispatched from Quetta to facilitate the remaining 40 hostages who were released at Panir railway station. The train had also been carrying security personnel.

Reports indicate that the terrorists had positioned themselves in a difficult and remote terrain, using women and children to deter security forces from immediate action. The military’s carefully coordinated operation ensured the safety of a significant number of passengers.

The government has vowed to bring all those involved in orchestrating and supporting terrorist activities to justice. Meanwhile, counterterrorism measures are expected to be strengthened across Balochistan in response to the attack.

The attack on the Jaffar Express has drawn condemnation from the international community. China and the United States have both denounced the assault, pledging their support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.