The recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, which resulted in the tragic killing of 21 innocent passengers including 4 frontier corps, is yet another grim reminder of the growing insurgency in the region. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, once again raising critical questions about the sources of its funding, training, and safe havens. While much has been said about Pakistan’s internal security challenges, one glaring aspect that often goes unaddressed is Afghanistan’s role as a launchpad for separatist and terrorist activities targeting Balochistan.
This is not a new development but rather a continuation of a long-standing pattern. Afghanistan has historically served as a safe haven for separatist elements operating in Balochistan. During the 1970s, Afghanistan actively supported Baloch insurgents, providing them with weapons and shelter in Kandahar and other areas. Even as late as 2018, BLA leader Aslam Baloch, also known as Achu, was killed in Kandahar, raising serious concerns about how Baloch militants continue to operate from Afghan soil with apparent impunity. The fact that such a high-profile figure was based in Afghanistan underscores the enduring support- or at the very least, the complacency- of Afghan authorities toward anti-Pakistan elements.
The train hijacking incident must not be seen in isolation. It is part of a broader strategy of destabilization that has taken a more aggressive turn since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. With the Taliban regime providing a freer hand to extremist groups, Baloch separatists and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists have found greater operational space. The porous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly in the Balochistan region, has become a critical pathway for weapons, fighters, and ideological propaganda. The unchecked movement of these groups across the border is fueling a security crisis that threatens not only Balochistan but Pakistan as a whole. Pakistan has made significant efforts to enhance border security to prevent insurgency within its territory. These measures include fencing the border and deploying security forces to critical areas. However, effectively curbing cross-border insurgency requires cooperation and commitment from the Afghan government. Without the willingness of Afghan authorities to address the issue and take decisive action against militant networks operating on their side, achieving lasting security remains a challenge.
The arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, a high-profile ISIS-K operative, in Balochistan highlights Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. The capture of such elements underscores Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and its role in global counterterrorism initiatives. The capture of Sharifullah in Pakistan underscores the effectiveness of this collaboration, proving that Pakistan remains a critical player in the international fight against terrorism. By apprehending such dangerous elements, Pakistan not only neutralizes immediate threats to its security but also reinforces its commitment to regional and global stability. This successful operation, executed with intelligence-sharing and coordinated efforts, sends a strong message to terrorist organizations- Pakistan remains resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in its pursuit of eradicating extremism.
The recent statement by DG ISPR (Armed Forces Media Wing) serves as a critical point of reference. According to Pakistan’s military spokesperson, BLA militants were in continuous contact with their handlers and counterparts in Afghanistan. This confirms a troubling reality-insurgents operating in Balochistan are not acting in isolation but are part of a broader transnational network that receives logistical and tactical support from across the border. If Afghanistan is unable to control these elements, it raises serious questions about whether they are complicit in harboring terrorists or simply incapable of governing their own territory.
The hijacking of a passenger train is not just an act of terrorism; it is a declaration of war on the state of Pakistan. It highlights the increasing sophistication of separatist groups that have clearly received training and external backing. The choice of a high-profile target, the calculated nature of the attack, and the precision in execution all point to an organized structure that operates beyond Pakistan’s borders. This makes it imperative for Islamabad to re-evaluate its security doctrine concerning Afghanistan. Pakistan has exercised significant restraint in dealing with Afghanistan’s growing tolerance for terrorist groups operating on its soil. However, patience has its limits. If the Afghan government continues to provide safe havens- whether intentionally or due to incapacity- Pakistan must take decisive action to neutralize the threat. The international community must also recognize the double standard at play: while global attention remains fixated on other conflict zones, Afghanistan’s unchecked role in destabilizing Balochistan goes largely unnoticed.
The insurgency in Balochistan is no longer a localized movement; it has become an extension of Afghanistan’s broader influence over Pakistan’s internal security. If left unchecked, this insurgency will not only lead to further bloodshed but will also embolden other militant groups, creating a wider security crisis in the region. The solution is clear: Afghanistan must either take responsibility for eliminating terrorist elements within its borders or allow Pakistan to do what is necessary to secure its own sovereignty. The time for half-measures and diplomatic niceties is over- Pakistan cannot afford to let Balochistan become another battleground for externally backed insurgencies.
The Jaffar Express tragedy should serve as a wake-up call. Afghanistan must decide whether it wants to be part of the solution or continue as part of the problem. The cost of inaction is far too high, and Pakistan has every right to defend itself against those who seek to sow chaos from across the border.
