All present 33 terrorists killed; 21 passengers, 4 FC personnel martyred before action: Train standoff over, all hostages rescued: ISPR chief

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army announced on Wednesday that the Jaffar Express hostage-rescue operation was completed successfully and all attackers present at the site were killed by security forces and hostages freed.

Speaking to a private news channel, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed the completion of the complex operation, elaborating that units from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Special Services Group (SSG), army and Frontier Corps (FC) took part.

“All 33 terrorists have been sent to hell...no harm caused to any passenger during the clearance operation,” the DG ISPR said. However, he added, before the clearance operation, 21 passengers were martyred by the terrorists. Divulging details of the incident, the ISPR DG said the terrorists targeted a railway track in Bolan on March 11, stopped Jaffar Express and took passengers hostage. “The militants used hostages, including women and children, as human shields,” he added.

“The terrorists remained in contact with their facilitators and mastermind based in Afghanistan via satellite phone during the clearance operation,” he revealed.

Furthermore, he said that the attackers had placed the hostages in groups with suicide bombers sitting amongst them.

He stated that during the clearance operation in the (Wednesday) evening, all hostages were successfully rescued. First, the snipers of the security forces eliminated the suicide bombers, then a step-by-step clearance of each coach was conducted, and all 33 terrorists present were neutralised.

According to Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, no passenger was harmed during the clearance operation. However, prior to the operation, 21 passengers were martyred due to the barbarity of the terrorists, and 4 Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were also martyred. Among them, three FC personnel were martyred by terrorists at a nearby checkpoint before the clearance operation, and one soldier was martyred during the operation on Tuesday.

He mentioned that the bomb disposal squad is clearing the area and the train according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the passengers who fled to the surrounding areas during the operation are also being gathered.

The spokesperson of the Pakistan Army stated that no one can be allowed to target civilians on the streets or in trains. The Jaffar Express incident has changed the rules of the game.

“Whoever does this, let me say it very clearly, will be hunted down and brought to justice. Let me also say that this incident of Jaffer Express changes the rules of the game as these terrorists have nothing to do Pakistan, Islam and Balochistan.”

They said that as soon as the incident occurred, misleading reporting began on Indian media within minutes. Old images, videos, and AI-generated videos were broadcast on Indian media. This shows the collusion between the terrorists and their masters. On such occasions, certain political elements within the country also become overly active on social media.

According to the DG ISPR, instead of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the state and the people, they seem to be creating baseless justifications for terrorism. It is unfortunate that some elements, in their lust for power, are sacrificing national interests. The public is now well aware of the hands behind this divisive politics.

Responding to allegations and propaganda of some political elements regarding Army’s involvement in politics, he questioned as to who is responsible for maintaining internal security.

However, he said the security forces are carrying out 107 intelligence-based operations on daily basis sacrificing lives of officers and soldiers. “They are symbol of resistance and fight against menace of terrorism,” he said.

At the same time, where the country was standing with regard to implementing revised National Action Plan, destroy terror-crime nexus and giving punishments to terrorists. “Where we stand in building a national narrative against terrorism as per revised action plan,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari appreciated the security forces for completing the operation against terrorists and releasing passengers.

According to the announcement of President House, Zardari expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of 21 civilians and 4 FC Jawans.

He praised the security forces for their effective response and sending 33 terrorists to hell.

He paid tribute to four FC Jawans who embraced shahadat and commended the professionalism of the security forces displayed during the operation.

The president prayed for the high ranks of the departed souls and for the bereaved families to bear the losses with fortitude.

He also expressed the resolve to securing peace and complete elimination of terrorism in Balochistan province.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the entire nation was deeply shocked by the dastardly act of terrorist attack on Jaffar Express and saddened by the loss of innocent lives. He and reiterated that such cowardly acts would not shake Pakistan’s resolve for peace.

On X account, the prime minister said that he spoke with Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti who briefed him on the latest developments in the heinous terrorist attack on Jaffar Express.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. May Allah grant them the highest ranks in Jannah and bless those injured with a swift recovery. Dozens of the terrorists have been sent to hell,” he further posted.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday lauded the Pakistan Army and security forces for successfully completing Jaffar Express operation and rescuing the hostages.

The prime minister said the completion operation without any major losses was made possible due to the professional expertise of the security forces and the dynamic leadership of the Army Chief.

The prime minister will visit Balochistan on today (Thursday) to express solidarity with the people and assess the security situation, a statement issued by the PM Office media wing said.

He will also preside over a meeting to review the law and order situation in Balochistan.

Shehbaz Sharif said the brave soldiers and officers displayed courage and valour.

He also expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of security personnel and train passengers and prayed for the forgiveness of the martyrs and patience and strength for their families.

“Those who harm innocent and unarmed civilians have no connection with Islam or this country,” Shehbaz said.

He also reaffirmed to defeat those, on all fronts, who attacked innocent civilians, adding the fight against terrorists would continue until terrorism was completely eradicated from the country.

More than 450 passengers were on board when a terrorist group captured the train in a remote frontier district of Balochistan province on Tuesday afternoon.

An AFP photographer in Quetta witnessed about 140 empty coffins being transported by train to the incident site on Wednesday.

The assault was immediately claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which released a video of an explosion on the track followed by dozens of militants emerging from hiding places in the mountains and storming onto the carriages.

Passengers who walked for hours through rugged mountains to reach safety described being set free by the militants.

“Our women pleaded with them, and they spared us,” Babar Masih, a 38-year-old Christian labourer told AFP on Wednesday. “They told us to get out and not look back. As we ran, I noticed many others running alongside us.”

Muhammad Bilal, who was travelling with his mother on the Jaffar Express train, described their ordeal as “terrifying”.

“I can´t find the words to describe how we managed to escape,” he told AFP.

Several passengers told AFP that gunmen demanded to see identity cards to confirm who was from outside the province, similar to a spate of recent attacks carried out by the BLA.

“They came and checked IDs and service cards and shot two soldiers in front of me and took the other four to... I don´t know where,” said one passenger who asked not to be identified, after walking four hours to the nearest train station.

“Those who were Punjabis were taken away by the terrorists,” he said.

Around 80 of the released passengers were taken to Quetta under “tight security”, said a police official who was not authorised to speak to the media.

Meanwhile, talking to the media, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting strongly condemned the propaganda launched by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Indian media over the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan.

“We thank the Almighty that the operation against the terrorists of the Baloch Liberation Army, who has an aim to hold Pakistani citizens hostage, has reached to its logical conclusion,” the minister said.

He said the Pakistan Army, Air Force, Frontier Corps (FC) and security forces, neutralised 33 terrorists during the operation which was conducted with exceptional professionalism and great care, averting a potential catastrophe.

“Some 440 passengers were in the train and the terrorists who were wearing suicide jackets used women and children as shields, and there was a potential of significant damage, but with the blessing of Almighty, no life was lost during the operation,” the minister stressed.

He said this is not less than a miracle that there is no causality during the operation due to the meticulous planning and execution by security forces. Tragically, 21 individuals and four soldiers got martyred, prior to the operation’s commencement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commended the security forces’ bravery and professionalism for conducting a successful operation and prayed to the Almighty for those who got martyred before the commencement of operation, he noted.

The minister vehemently condemned the propaganda disseminated by Indian media by spreading fake information to achieve their ulterior motives.

Highlighting a nexus between them and the terrorists, he said it seemed that the Indian media was all set to report on the tragedy with beforehand provision of the information.

“Videos are out there now and how can they refute the drone footage taken through thermal cameras,” he questioned.

He emphasised the advanced technology employed by the Pakistan Army, which played a pivotal role in the operation’s success.

Expressing deep disappointment, the minister criticised the PTI for exploiting the tragedy for political gain, accusing them of aligning with the Indian media and BLA narratives.

He asserted that PTI’s actions aligned with foreign interests, urging them to prioritise national unity over political opportunism.

He further condemned media personalities abroad for perpetuating Indian media’s misinformation.

The minister vowed to combat misinformation, highlighting the narrative battle fought during the operation.

He said the operation is a defeat for the BLA and Indian media, and a matter of shame for PTI’s propaganda against national interests.

Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism, the minister affirmed the resolve of the prime minister, Chief of Army Staff, and security forces to pursue terrorists and their handlers relentlessly.

He said the prime minister had talked with the Balochistan chief minister over the matter and would visit the province today (Thursday) to address the public over future course of action against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed his government’s resolve to take stern action against terrorists behind the Jaffar Express attack.

A high-level meeting on law and order, chaired by the chief minister, was held at the CM Secretariat the provincial capital of Quetta on Wednesday.

The meeting discussed the recent terrorist attacks, particularly the attack on the Jaffar Express.

Additional Chief Secretary Zahid Saleem briefed the meeting, providing details of the Jaffar Express attack, the initial investigations, and security measures being implemented in response.

In his address, Bugti strongly condemned the attack, calling it intolerable, and issued orders for strict action against the perpetrators.

He emphasised that terrorists would not be allowed to hold even an inch of ground, noting that such attacks are aimed at creating a sense of violence, but that the state will never allow the enemies of the nation to succeed in their malicious goals.

“The enemies of Pakistan will never succeed in weakening our country. The government will use all its strength to eliminate them,” he said.

“It is time to leave behind any confusion and launch a full-scale operation against terrorism.”

Bugti assured that any attempt to sabotage peace in Balochistan would be thwarted and that hostile forces would be defeated on every front.

He further instructed that security agencies would be provided with all necessary resources to ensure the safety of the public, and directed a stern crackdown on terrorists’ facilitators.

The chief minister also made it clear that no compromise would be made on the security situation in Balochistan, and urged relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attack to be brought to justice soon.

He added that the prompt apprehension of the terrorists would instill a sense of security among the public and send a strong message to the terrorists.

The meeting was attended by Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Principal Secretary to CM Baber Khan, Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, Inspector General of Railway Police Raye Tahir, DIG Quetta Police Aetzaz Ahmed Goraya, and other senior officials.

Participants discussed the overall security situation in the province, counter-terrorism measures, and the implementation of tougher security protocols in the future.

Separately, the Balochistan Assembly passed a resolution condemning the use of women in terrorist activities in the province.

The members of the assembly proposed that a joint action plan be developed in consultation with all the stakeholders to restore peace and order in the region.

The legislature’s session, which started with a delay of an hour and a half, was chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.

Meena Majeed, the CM’s adviser, presented a resolution emphasising the importance, role, and respect of women in Baloch society, highlighting it as a significant and beautiful aspect of their culture. She stated that the Balochistan government is providing women with opportunities in every field, fostering their involvement in education, politics, and social sectors.

She expressed regret that elements of society, including terrorist organisations, are exploiting Baloch women and innocent students for their malicious purposes. She said these groups are using women as suicide bombers, thus contributing to the genocide, exploitation, and degradation of Baloch women and their social values.

She condemned these actions and called on the government to take immediate steps against the terrorist groups involved. The resolution further stressed that the recent terrorist incidents in the province must be strongly condemned and that necessary actions should be taken to stop these groups from violating the dignity and values of Baloch women.

Provincial Minister Sardar Abdul Rahman Khetran expressed his concern over receiving threatening calls and abusive language the previous night. He stated that he had traced the phone number and identified the person involved and was free to decide on his course of action at a tribal level.

Zabid Ali Reki also pointed out that the worsening situation in Balochistan is leading to attacks on leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, and political leaders need to come together to address the causes of the instability.

Member of the Provincial Assembly Ali Madad Jattak condemned the use of women as shields by terrorists and emphasised that foreign interference in Pakistan is evident.

Provincial Minister Noor Muhammad Dummar said that the targeting of innocent people and forces by terrorists is a challenge that must be confronted.

Other members also spoke, with some pointing out the involvement of foreign countries like India and Afghanistan in supporting terrorism. Several members highlighted the deteriorating economic conditions, rising unemployment, and social inequalities as contributing factors to the instability in Balochistan.

Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri condemned the Jaffar Express attack and called for a united approach in finding solutions.

The assembly unanimously passed the resolution, and the Speaker adjourned the session.

Global condemnations have poured in after insurgents attacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district.

The United Nations condemned the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express.

“We’ve just seen the reports; we, of course, condemn any hostage taking, and we call on those who’ve taken people hostage to release them at once,” the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York.

“But,” he added, “We’re going to keep following the situation as it evolves.”

China also strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the train in Balochistan and vowed to continue its firm support to Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity, social stability and protecting the safety of civilians.

“We noted the reports and strongly condemn this terrorist attack,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular briefing in response to a question regarding the terrorist attack.

She said that China firmly opposes terrorism in any form and added: “We will continue to firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability and protecting the safety of civilians.”

China stands ready to strengthen counter terrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan and jointly keep the region peaceful, secure and stable, she added.

The US Embassy in Islamabad in a message said: “We strongly condemn the attack on the Jaffar Express train, and the hostage-taking of passengers in Kacchi, Balochistan, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a US-Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific act.” It added that the Pakistani people deserved to live free from violence and fear and the US would remain a steadfast partner of Pakistan in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens.

“We stand in solidarity with Pakistan during this difficult time,” the embassy said.

Also, the European Union Delegation in Pakistan pronounced condemnation for the train attack and offered “deepest condolences to the people of Pakistan and families of victims.”

“As the situation is still unfolding, we express our profound concern for the hostages and call for their immediate release,” the EU said in a message.

The Embassy of Russia in Islamabad also condemned the “barbaric attack on the Jaffar Express train”.

“We consider the terrorists’ tactic of using civilians as human shields absolutely unacceptable and hope for the speedy release of all hostages,” said the embassy in a message.

The German Embassy in Islamabad also condemned the terrorist attack and said the use of violence for political purposes by anyone was unacceptable, even more so when innocent civilians were targeted.

“At this difficult hour, we stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan,” read a message from the embassy.

Condemnation also came in from the Embassy of France in Islamabad, which expressed deepest sympathy to the victims and their loved ones.

“All those still held hostage must be released immediately. In the face of this tragic situation, we express our solidarity with the Pakistani people,” said the embassy in a message.

Train driver Amjad Yasin, who belongs to Changa Manga, Chak No 17, remained safe during the attack. The family of Amjad Yasin has confirmed that he is safe.

Amjad Yasin called his brother Amir and informed him that he is completely safe and unharmed.

A video of Amjad Yasin surviving the incident has also gone viral on social media. Earlier, it was reported that the locomotive driver was killed by the terrorists.