F.P. Report
RAWALIPINDI: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday revealed that India was the “main sponsor” behind the Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan.
Addressing a press conference alongside Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry detailed the security operation and condemned Indian media for running a misinformation campaign.
The attack on the Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, occurred on March 11 at around 1:00 PM, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated near the train. Following the explosion, heavily armed terrorists launched an assault, systematically executing their plan.
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry revealed that the terrorists operated in multiple groups. One group forced women and children to stay inside the train, using them as human shields, while others dragged the remaining passengers outside. The terrorists then took hostages and moved towards the rugged mountainous terrain, making an immediate counter-operation challenging.
Security forces’ swift action
In response, Pakistan’s Zarrar Company, FC Balochistan, and law enforcement agencies launched a carefully planned clearance operation. Within 36 hours, security forces successfully neutralized 33 terrorists and rescued the hostages.
DG ISPR emphasized that this was one of the most successful counterterrorism operations in Pakistan’s history. “No civilian casualties occurred during the operation; all civilian deaths happened before our forces intervened,” he clarified. The security forces first targeted suicide bombers among the attackers to prevent further loss of life.
Foreign involvement and Indian media’s misinfo
During the press conference, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry accused India of orchestrating the attack, stating that the terrorists were in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan and were using foreign weapons. He asserted that this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of cross-border terrorism.
Furthermore, he criticized Indian media for spreading disinformation and leading a social media warfare campaign. He revealed that a fake video created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) was widely circulated by Indian news channels to misrepresent the operation. “Indian media presented the attack as an achievement, fueling propaganda to distort facts,” he said.
The ISPR also played clips of Indian media broadcasts, showing how outdated footage was mixed with terrorist propaganda videos. Lt. Gen. Chaudhry denounced this as an attempt to mislead the global audience and defame Pakistan.
Condemnation from Balochistan leadership
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, stating that “those who commit such acts in the name of Baloch nationalism have no connection with the Baloch people.” He emphasized that Baloch traditions do not permit violence against unarmed civilians.
Bugti praised Pakistan’s security forces, calling their swift and effective response “commendable.” He also expressed gratitude to the United States, China, Russia, Britain, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, and the United Nations Secretary-General for their support and condemnation of the attack.
Background of attack
The Jaffar Express, carrying 440 passengers, departed Quetta at 9:30 AM on March 11. As it passed through the Gudalar and Peru Kanri regions, armed terrorists opened fire and later detonated an IED. The attack led to the tragic martyrdom of 21 passengers and soldiers.
Following the incident, Pakistani authorities launched an immediate operation, tracking the terrorists into the mountainous terrain. The rescue mission ensured the safe evacuation of civilians, with no loss of hostages during the clearance operation.
DG ISPR reassured the public that Pakistan’s armed forces remain vigilant against such threats. He warned that the state will not allow hostile elements to destabilize Pakistan and vowed that security measures will be further strengthened in sensitive railway routes and public transport sectors.
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry also urged the international community to hold India accountable for its involvement in fueling terrorism in Pakistan. “This is not the first time India has been linked to acts of terror inside Pakistan. The world must take notice of such blatant sponsorship of terrorism,” he asserted.