Kabul: Afghanistan has categorically denied any involvement in the recent attack on Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, urging Islamabad to focus on its internal security challenges rather than making "irresponsible statements."
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi strongly rejected the allegations made by Pakistan’s military spokesperson. "We categorically reject the baseless accusations linking the attack on a passenger train in Balochistan to Afghanistan. We urge Pakistan to focus on addressing its security and internal issues instead of making such irresponsible remarks," Balkhi said.
Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), had earlier claimed in a press release that intelligence reports confirmed the involvement of terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan in the attack on Jaffar Express. According to ISPR, these groups remained in direct communication with the attackers throughout the incident.
The statement further emphasized Pakistan’s expectation from the Afghan interim government to fulfill its responsibilities and prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan soil for attacks against Pakistan.
Responding to these allegations, the Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified that no Baloch separatist group operates from Afghan territory, nor have they ever had any association with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Expressing regret over the attack, Balkhi said, "We are saddened by the loss of innocent lives in this incident. Sacrificing civilians for political objectives is an unjust act."
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson also reiterated on Thursday that evidence had been found of the attackers making phone calls to Afghanistan, and further investigations were underway to gather additional proof.
The attack on Jaffar Express took place on March 11 while it was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with 440 passengers on board. The train, comprising nine coaches, was ambushed in the Bolan Pass near Dhadar in Balochistan.
Following the attack, the Pakistan Army launched a clearance operation, claiming to have rescued 300 passengers and killed 33 militants at the scene.
This incident has further strained relations between the two neighboring countries, which have frequently accused each other of harboring militants.
