ISLAMABAD — The Pakistani military has alleged that the mastermind behind the recent train hijacking in Balochistan is based in Afghanistan and that militants involved in the attack were in contact with their handlers across the border during the security operation to free hostages.
A Taliban spokesman, however, rejected the allegations, calling them unfounded.
On Tuesday, separatist militants attacked and hijacked a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, taking hundreds of passengers hostage in the Bolan region of Balochistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Pakistani military later launched an operation to rescue the hostages. According to a statement from the Pakistan Army, 33 militants were killed, along with 21 civilians.
The Pakistani military claims that intelligence reports indicate the attackers were in direct contact with their handlers in Afghanistan throughout the operation.
“Our intelligence evidence confirms that the militants remained in communication with their masterminds inside Afghanistan during the rescue operation. We once again call on the Taliban to fulfill their responsibilities and prevent Afghan soil from being used against Pakistan,” said Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.
A spokesman for the Taliban denied Pakistan’s allegations in response to questions from Amu TV.
“These claims are baseless,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman.
The Taliban have previously rejected similar accusations from Pakistan, which has repeatedly claimed that militant groups operating in its territory have safe havens in Afghanistan.
Two major opposition movements also responded to the Pakistani military’s statement, linking the rise of regional terrorism to the Taliban’s rule.
Jamiat-e-Islami, led by Salahuddin Rabbani, blamed the Taliban takeover for the surge in terrorist activities.
“Unfortunately, since Afghanistan was handed over to the Taliban through an obscure international and regional conspiracy, terrorist activities have increased. This poses a serious threat to the security of Afghan citizens and neighboring countries.”
Ali Maisam Nazary, head of foreign relations for the National Resistance Front (NRF), accused the Taliban of harboring more than 21 terrorist groups.
“The resurgence of terrorism in the region and across the world has intensified since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. They provide a safe haven to terrorist organizations, fueling instability beyond Afghanistan’s borders.”
Security analysts say extremist groups have become more active in the region since the Taliban’s return to power.
Mohammad Radmanish, a former military official, stated that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist groups have intensified attacks on Pakistan with Taliban support.
“Since the Taliban took power, extremist groups like TTP have increased attacks against Pakistan with the Taliban’s backing. The Taliban’s relationship with these groups is well-established, and they are fighting Pakistan with shared goals.”
Bismillah Taban, a security analyst, said that Taliban rule has increased security risks for the region.
“The Taliban’s presence in Afghanistan has heightened security threats, with militant groups using Afghan territory for operations against neighboring countries. Pakistan is one of the biggest victims of these threats.”
The train hijacking is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Balochistan, where separatist insurgents have been fighting against the Pakistani state for decades.
Pakistani media reports suggest the hijacked train was carrying 440 passengers. During the rescue operation, four Pakistani soldiers were also killed.
Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban in Afghanistan have escalated in recent months, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of sheltering TTP and other militants. The Taliban have denied these allegations, saying they do not allow Afghan soil to be used for attacks against any country.
