DG ISPR Press conference on Jaffar Express

Monitoring Desk: Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has stated that out of the 26 people martyred in the terrorist attack on Jaafar Express in Balochistan, 18 belonged to the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps (FC).

Details of the Attack and Operation

DG ISPR revealed that following the terrorist attack, a successful operation by the Pakistan Army and FC resulted in the elimination of 33 terrorists. The terrorists shot and martyred 26 people, while security forces managed to rescue 354 hostages, 37 of whom were injured. No hostage was killed during the operation.

According to Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the terrorists did not take any passengers hostage. The captives were divided into three groups: one was released on the night of March 11, the second managed to escape on the morning of March 12 when the Army and FC launched their operation, and the third group was freed during a clearance operation on the evening of March 12.

India and Afghanistan’s Alleged Involvement

DG ISPR claimed that India was the main sponsor behind this attack, with its links tracing back to Afghanistan. He further stated that before targeting the train, the terrorists also attacked an FC checkpoint, killing three FC personnel. He highlighted that the Indian media misreported the entire incident and distorted the facts.

Operational Strategy

DG ISPR disclosed that on March 11, the terrorists used an IED explosion to destroy the railway track, forcing Jaafar Express to stop. On March 12, the Pakistan Army and FC cordoned off the area. During this time, targeted sniper fire was used against the terrorists, creating an opportunity for the hostages to escape.

He emphasized that the operation was conducted with extreme caution. The Special Services Group (SSG) Zarrar Unit freed the hostages from suicide bombers who had mingled among them. The terrorists were in constant contact with their handlers in Afghanistan and were equipped with foreign-made weapons.

Need for Implementation of the National Action Plan

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stressed that without full implementation of the 14 points of the National Action Plan (NAP), the eradication of terrorism is not possible. These points include banning the operation of any militant armed group in the country, preventing the spread of terrorism through media and social media, stopping terror financing, enhancing judicial efficiency in terrorism-related cases, improving the capacity of counter-terrorism departments, and ensuring the regulation and registration of religious seminaries.

Stance on Missing Persons Issue

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that it is the government’s responsibility to locate missing persons, but the assumption that the government itself is responsible for their disappearances is propaganda. He pointed out that the issue of missing persons is not unique to Balochistan but exists worldwide.

DG ISPR further clarified that a commission has been set up to address the missing persons issue. So far, 10,405 cases have been registered with the commission, out of which 8,044 have been resolved, while 2,261 cases are under investigation. In Balochistan alone, 2,911 cases of missing persons have been reported since 2011, with only 452 cases still pending resolution.

He emphasized that the issue of missing persons is not exclusive to Pakistan, as similar cases exist in the US, UK, and India. However, in no other country do people rise against their government and armed forces in such a manner.

Conclusion

DG ISPR reiterated that the sole objective of terrorists is to destabilize Pakistan. The government and security institutions are taking all necessary measures to defend the country, and operations against terrorists will continue.