ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the Afghan Taliban over the hijacking of the Jaffar Express and the killing of innocent passengers, demanding an explanation for the terrorists’ connections with handlers in Afghanistan.
While the Foreign Office (FO) has not issued an official statement, sources revealed that Sardar Ahmad Shekib, the Taliban’s Chargé D’affaires (CdA) in Islamabad, was summoned by Pakistani officials to express serious concerns over the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities.
Key Concerns Raised by Pakistan
- Violation of the Doha Agreement:
Pakistan reminded Sardar Shekib that the Taliban had given an international assurance under the Doha Agreement that Afghan soil would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. - Evidence of Afghan-Based Terror Networks:
Pakistani officials informed the Afghan envoy that terrorists involved in the train hijacking were in direct contact with their handlers in Afghanistan, and Pakistan has concrete evidence of this. - Continued TTP Attacks:
The Afghan CdA was previously summoned regarding terror incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been responsible for multiple attacks.
International Condemnation & Diplomatic Response
Pakistan has welcomed the global condemnation of the train hijacking and expressed satisfaction over the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) resolution, which specifically named the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as terrorist entities.
Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin is among the world leaders who have condemned the attack.
Next Steps
- Pakistan may issue an official statement thanking world leaders and countries that have expressed solidarity.
- Further diplomatic engagement with the Afghan Taliban is expected to ensure action against terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory.
This latest protest adds to the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over cross-border terrorism, with Islamabad pressuring Kabul to take decisive action against militant groups targeting Pakistan.
