PM Shehbaz Reaction on Jaffer Express attack

Web Desk – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that Pakistan’s progress is directly linked to eliminating terrorism from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling for a united front against such threats. He stressed that incidents like the Jaffar Express hijacking must never be repeated.

Chairing a high-level law and order meeting in Quetta, the premier highlighted the importance of Balochistan’s development, stating, “Pakistan will not prosper until Balochistan is at par with other provinces.”

Tribute to Security Forces for Successful Operation

PM Shehbaz praised Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and security forces for their swift and decisive action in rescuing 339 passengers of Jaffar Express, who were taken hostage by terrorists in Bolan.

“The terrorists showed no respect for the sanctity of Ramadan,” he remarked, condemning the attack on innocent civilians.

He reiterated that Pakistan could not afford another such tragedy and called for collective efforts to root out terrorism.

No Tolerance for Anti-Army Propaganda

Expressing solidarity with the armed forces, PM Shehbaz warned that any malicious propaganda against the military and martyrs would not be tolerated. He noted that Pakistan Army soldiers continue to make immense sacrifices to protect millions of families from devastation.

Criticizing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government—without directly naming it—the prime minister attributed the resurgence of terrorism to past policies. He accused the previous leadership of fostering ties with the Taliban, allowing thousands of militants from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to reenter the country following the fall of Kabul in 2021.

He also criticized certain political factions and social media groups for maligning state institutions, stating that their toxic propaganda was amplified by a neighboring country’s media.

“Mocking the sacrifices of our soldiers is the worst form of betrayal,” he declared.

Call for National Unity & Economic Stability

PM Shehbaz urged all political leaders to set aside differences and work together on a strategy to eradicate terrorism and stabilize the economy.

“Without peace, there can be no development or prosperity,” he asserted, adding that an all-parties conference (APC) would be convened to address national security concerns.

Jaffar Express Attack: A Swift Response

The premier’s visit comes after security forces successfully neutralized all 33 Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists involved in hijacking the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 400 passengers.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that the two-day-long military operation was executed with the involvement of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Special Services Group (SSG), Army, and Frontier Corps (FC). He revealed that the terrorists had been in contact with their handlers and masterminds in Afghanistan via satellite phone.

Despite the rescue mission’s success, 21 innocent passengers and four FC personnel were martyred before the operation was launched. Lt. Gen Chaudhry assured all those responsible would be “hunted down and brought to justice.”

During the clearance operation, military snipers took out suicide bombers who were using hostages as human shields.

Medical Aid for Survivors

Following the attack, an emergency was declared in Sibi and Quetta’s Civil Hospital. At least 29 injured passengers were shifted to Quetta, with 16 receiving treatment at CMH and 13 at the Civil Hospital. Hospital authorities confirmed that the wounded are now in stable condition. Additionally, 47 rescued passengers were transported to Quetta from Mach.