On Tuesday, in Pakistan's Balochistan province, the insurgent group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express. The train was carrying over 400 passengers, including many military personnel. According to local news in Pakistan, security forces have rescued at least 155 passengers and killed 27 terrorists in the operation. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's advisor, Rana Sanaullah, has leveled baseless accusations against India. In failing to address the crisis, he has unfoundedly claimed that Baloch insurgents are receiving support from India.
A news anchor from Pakistan's Dawn TV questioned Sanaullah about any connections between the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) based in Afghanistan and the BLA.
In response, Sanaullah said, 'India is behind this, there is no doubt. India is aiding them, and they have a safe haven in Afghanistan where they plan their operations. These are the enemies of Pakistan, make no mistake. It’s not a political issue, and the Baloch insurgents have no political agenda. Their sole purpose is murder and plunder.'
When questioned about the military's heavy-handed approach in Balochistan, Sanaullah remarked, 'Such actions have been ongoing for some time. The fact remains that they found a sanctuary in Afghanistan. They receive financial assistance and are allowed to cross the border, execute their plans, and return.'
Sanaullah further added, 'Before the Taliban came to power, they did not have such facilities, but now they have all kinds of support. The situation in Pakistan is a result of having a government in Afghanistan that provides them space and funds for planning attacks.'
Suicide Bombers Planted Among Innocent Hostages
The Pakistani military is conducting a rescue operation to free the hostages, but it's facing significant challenges. Reports indicate that the BLA has placed suicide bombers among the hostages. These bombers are wearing suicide vests, complicating the rescue efforts and prompting additional precautions from security forces.
Meanwhile, the Baloch Army has released a video of the train hijack. It shows the train moving at normal speed before an explosion occurs, stopping it. The video also shows BLA combatants in the nearby hills where the train comes to a halt.
The Jaffar Express departed for Peshawar at 9 AM. It was scheduled to reach Sibi Station at 1:30 PM, but came under attack near the Mashafaq Tunnel in Bolan.
