Questions Raised on the Claims of the Army and Government Regarding the Jaffar Express Train Hijack in Balochistan
Discrepancies in Official Statements Spark Controversy
Islamabad: The recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan has led to an outpouring of questions regarding the credibility of the official statements made by both the Pakistani army and the Shahbaz government. While the army asserts that all hostages were successfully rescued in less than 36 hours, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the attack, has stated otherwise. The massive discrepancy in casualty figures has fueled further suspicion, with politicians, journalists, and analysts raising critical questions.
The Pakistani army claims that 26 people died in the incident, whereas the BLA has alleged that 214 people lost their lives. Additionally, according to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, there were 440 passengers on the train, while the army has reported rescuing 339 individuals. This creates a numerical gap of approximately 80 missing people, a detail that remains unexplained by the authorities.
A Conflicting Narrative: What Really Happened?
According to the Pakistan Army, the attack unfolded when BLA militants halted the Jaffar Express in Bolan district, a remote mountainous area in Balochistan province. Reports suggest that over 440 passengers were taken hostage, triggering a 36-hour-long security operation by Pakistani forces. Following this military action, authorities claimed that the train and all passengers had been successfully freed, stating that 33 BLA attackers had been neutralized. Additionally, 21 civilians and four security personnel were reported killed in the clash.
On the other hand, BLA’s version of events starkly contradicts the military’s claims. In a public statement, the BLA claimed to have executed 214 hostages, all of whom they allege were Pakistani army personnel disguised as civilians. The group insists that their actions targeted military operatives rather than innocent civilians.
Where Did the Missing 80 Passengers Go?
One of the most glaring inconsistencies in the official narrative revolves around the number of passengers on board. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif confirmed that the train carried 440 passengers, while the Pakistan Army claimed that 339 hostages were rescued. If both figures are accurate, this would imply that over 80 people remain unaccounted for.
This discrepancy has led former Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, to question the government’s transparency. In a recent statement, Basit remarked:
“The army’s statement suggests that 339 passengers were rescued and 21 were killed. However, the Prime Minister himself stated that 440 people were onboard. Where did the remaining 80 go? The government and army must clarify the total number of passengers, the exact number of casualties, and how many were truly rescued. A difference of 70-80 people is no minor issue. This is a serious matter that demands clarity.”
Eyewitness Accounts Contradict Army’s Claims
Adding to the confusion, several passengers who managed to escape have contradicted the military’s version of events. Some survivors, appearing in videos circulated on social media, have stated that they were not freed by the Pakistani army but instead managed to flee on their own. These claims further weaken the credibility of official statements and raise concerns over the army’s true role in the rescue operation.
Journalists and political analysts have highlighted that Pakistani security forces often engage in exaggerated reporting, particularly when dealing with separatist groups in Balochistan. Given the history of media blackouts and restricted reporting from the province, many are questioning the validity of the figures released by the military.
The Rising Baloch Insurgency: A Growing Challenge for Pakistan
The Jaffar Express hijacking is the latest in a series of escalating attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army, which has been fighting for greater autonomy and independence from Pakistan. The BLA has intensified its operations against Pakistani military installations, government convoys, and infrastructure projects associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
For decades, Balochistan has remained a hotspot for insurgency, with militant groups accusing the Pakistani state of economic exploitation, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. While the government has consistently dismissed these accusations, international human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over the plight of Baloch civilians.
Political Backlash and Calls for Transparency
In response to the conflicting accounts, several opposition leaders and human rights activists have demanded that the Pakistani government conduct an independent inquiry into the Jaffar Express hijacking. Prominent political figures have criticized the state’s lack of transparency, arguing that without an independent investigation, the truth will remain buried beneath contradictory official statements.
Pakistan’s media landscape remains under intense scrutiny, with journalists facing increasing censorship and threats when reporting on sensitive topics such as military operations and Balochistan insurgency. Given these restrictions, uncovering the real number of casualties and the fate of missing passengers remains an arduous task.
The International Perspective: A Human Rights Concern?
Several international watchdogs and human rights organizations have called for a thorough investigation into the train hijacking incident. Given the severity of the conflicting casualty claims, foreign diplomatic missions and advocacy groups have urged the United Nations and Amnesty International to closely monitor the situation.
The Baloch insurgency has long been a point of contention in Pakistan’s geopolitical landscape. While neighboring countries and international bodies have largely refrained from direct intervention, the Jaffar Express incident could potentially reignite international scrutiny of Pakistan’s policies in Balochistan.
