Pakistan blames Afghan handlers, Indian mastermind for hijacking.
India and Afghanistan have firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegations linking an “Indian mastermind” and “Afghan handlers” to the recent train hijacking incident. Both nations dismissed the claims as baseless, urging Pakistan to provide credible evidence rather than making politically motivated accusations.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has revealed details of the operation that led to the successful rescue of hundreds of passengers. Security forces reportedly acted swiftly after intelligence inputs indicated the involvement of foreign operatives. The rescue mission, which lasted several hours, resulted in the safe evacuation of all passengers and the neutralization of some hijackers.
A senior Pakistani official claimed that intercepted communications suggested coordination between alleged Afghan-based handlers and an Indian planner. However, India and Afghanistan have denied any involvement, calling the accusations an attempt to divert attention from Pakistan’s internal security failures.
As diplomatic tensions rise, international observers have urged for an independent investigation. While Pakistan continues to push its narrative, India and Afghanistan maintain that the incident reflects Pakistan’s governance issues rather than external interference.
“We must understand that in this terrorist incident in Balochistan, and others before, the main sponsor is eastern neighbour [India],” Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.
Pakistan’s Allegations and Security Operation
Pakistani authorities have provided details of the hijacking and subsequent rescue operation, claiming that security forces acted swiftly to neutralize the threat. According to officials, the attackers seized control of the Jaffar Express as it traveled through Balochistan, a region often marred by insurgency and militant activity.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry alleged that intercepted communications confirmed the attackers were receiving instructions from Afghanistan-based handlers, while an Indian mastermind orchestrated the plot. “The evidence we have gathered clearly links Indian elements to this act of terrorism,” he asserted, adding that Pakistan would present its findings to the international community.
Swift Action by Security Forces
Following the hijacking, Pakistani security agencies launched a large-scale operation to rescue the passengers. Authorities said the mission involved specialized counter-terrorism units, local law enforcement, and intelligence personnel who worked in coordination to secure the train and free the hostages.
Officials reported that all passengers were successfully evacuated, and several attackers were either captured or eliminated. “The operation was executed with precision, ensuring minimal casualties and the safe return of innocent civilians,” a senior security official stated.
India and Afghanistan Deny Allegations
In response to Pakistan’s claims, both India and Afghanistan dismissed the accusations as unfounded. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs rejected the allegations outright, stating that Pakistan frequently uses India as a scapegoat to cover its internal security failures.
“These are baseless and politically motivated claims that lack any credible evidence,” an Indian official said. “Pakistan should focus on addressing its own security challenges rather than blaming its neighbors.”
Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government also denied any involvement, insisting that Afghan territory is not being used for anti-Pakistan activities. “We do not allow our soil to be used for any such operations,” a spokesperson for the Afghan government stated.
Political and Diplomatic Repercussions
The latest accusations have further strained relations between Pakistan and its neighbors, particularly India, with whom diplomatic ties remain frozen. Experts suggest that this incident could escalate tensions, leading to heightened security measures along the borders.
Analysts believe that Pakistan’s repeated claims of Indian involvement in Balochistan insurgency are part of a broader narrative aimed at internationalizing the issue. “Pakistan has long accused India of supporting Baloch separatists, but without concrete proof, these claims remain controversial,” a South Asian affairs expert noted.
Meanwhile, international observers have called for an independent investigation into the hijacking incident. Some have also urged Pakistan to provide verifiable evidence before making serious allegations against another nation.
Future Implications
As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the long-term security implications of the attack. Pakistan has vowed to intensify counter-terrorism efforts and enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future.
The government has also announced plans to strengthen border controls and increase surveillance in regions prone to insurgent activities. “We will take every necessary step to ensure our nation’s security,” a Pakistani government spokesperson stated.
With tensions mounting, the international community will be closely watching how the involved parties navigate the diplomatic fallout from this incident. Whether this leads to renewed hostilities or paves the way for dialogue remains uncertain, but for now, the accusations and counter-accusations continue to dominate regional discourse.