Pakistani Columns On Balochistan Train Attack: 'Baloch Separatist Leadership Outside The Country Is Involved In These Attacks And India Is An Equal Participant In It'; 'The Decision To Treat Separatists Like Terrorists Has Been Made'

Memri

28-03-2025

Following the March 11, 2025, hijacking of the Jaffer Express train by secessionist fighters of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Urdu-language dailies wrote editorials, examining the new wave of terrorism that Pakistan faces not only in Balochistan province, but also in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and to some extent the rest of Pakistan.
A reading of the editorials, translations of which are given below, in Roznama Islam, Roznama Ummat, and Roznama Nawa-i-Waqt indicates that all these newspapers blame India for its role in Balochistan in allegedly aiding the BLA, which has launched major attacks in recent years. Some of these attacks have been executed by the BLA's Majeed Brigade, a martyrdom-seeking arm of the secessionist group. Although Baloch secessionism has existed for decades, recent attacks by the Majeed Brigade have led to fears that the BLA and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) may have joined hands.
Roznama Nawa-i-Waqt , in its editorial blaming India, wrote: "If poisonous propaganda is spread on social media, whether from within the country or abroad, to mislead people against these operations, it is not far-fetched to assume that such elements are in contact with India."
Roznama Islam noted in its editorial that Pakistan is "in a state of war," adding: "It is the responsibility of all the political and religious parties of Pakistan to unite and agree on a narrative for the protection of the country and the people and the army..." Roznama Ummat , in its editorial, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in fighting terrorism in Pakistan, which, since both Roznama Islam and Roznama Ummat are pro-Islamist outlets, means aid from Islamic countries.
A screenshot of the Roznama Islam editorial
The following are excerpts from Roznama Islam editorial: [1]
"There Is No Doubt That Pakistan Is Currently Facing A Multi-Faceted War – Terrorists Have Entered The Battlefield Dreaming Of Establishing An Imaginary [Islamic] State With The Support Of Local Facilitators And Foreign Resources And Weapons"
"The Country Is At War!
"The reverberations of the attack on Jaffer Express in Balochistan had not ended when a group of terrorists attacked a checkpoint in the important town of Jandola on the road connecting Wana and Tank near South Waziristan, but the Pakistan Army bravehearts foiled this terrorism and killed ten Kharijites. [2] According to sources, the attackers were armed with suicide jackets, heavy weapons and ammunition.
"Their attack could have been disastrous, but the Pakistan Army soldiers were on full alert, due to which the terrorists with nefarious intentions did not have a chance. A brave soldier set an example of duty and attained the status of martyrdom. In another operation, terrorists attacked the town of Machh and kidnapped seven laborers working on the dam there. According to sources, the law enforcement agencies are pursuing the enemy for the safe release of the workers.
"These continuous attacks from across the border with Afghanistan clearly show that the groups belonging to the fitnah Khawarij [i.e., anti-Pakistan terrorists] have waged a major war against Pakistan at the behest of external powers and their patrons. According to the Foreign Office of Pakistan, these attacks were planned in Afghanistan, the Baloch separatist leadership outside the country is involved in these attacks, and India is an equal participant in it.
"There is no doubt that Pakistan is currently facing a multi-faceted war. Terrorists have entered the battlefield dreaming of establishing an imaginary [Islamic] state with the support of local facilitators and foreign resources and weapons. They are in the false hope that they will be able to break the unity of Pakistan's armed forces and people and eventually succeed in destroying this great Muslim state. This war waged against Pakistan, thanks to the reinforcements received from Afghan soil, is, according to its nature and pattern, similar to the guerilla war fought against Russia and America."
"Pakistani Intelligence Agencies Are Not Unaware Of The Activities Of Indian Agents Spread From Kabul To Kandahar – In The Jaffer Express Hijacking Case, There Are Also Recorded Calls That Provide Evidence Of An Indian Game In Afghanistan"
"Organizing in the form of small groups, executing sudden attacks and disappearing, using mountain passes, remote and secret border routes, avoiding big towns and cities, and advancing with the help of their facilitators among small populations, making anti-government political factions, receiving huge [amounts of] resources and weapons from external powers, while with the help of their allies, creating a certain atmosphere through the media war against the state and government – all these are part of the war that is being waged. Fitnah Khawarij and their supporters are using it against Pakistan.
"Terrorists have targeted places of military importance as well as easy targets. Attacks on travellers, laborers and common people, abductions and attacks on commercial, financial, and economic centers and security checkpoints indicate that Pakistan is currently facing a major war, and the entire nation must unite for its survival, freedom, and security. The sad fact is that in this war against Pakistan, Afghanistan has opened its doors to India.
"Pakistani intelligence agencies are not unaware of the activities of Indian agents spread from Kabul to Kandahar. In the Jaffer Express hijacking case, there are also recorded calls that provide evidence of an Indian game in Afghanistan. Apart from this, Pakistani institutions have arrested many such groups who were involved in terrorism, violence, sabotage, and spreading of anarchy in the country with the support of Afghanistan and India.
Illustrative picture – Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) seized a train in Bolan region
"In the presence of all these factors of a big war against the country, it is the responsibility of all the political and religious parties of Pakistan to unite and agree on a narrative for the protection of the country and the people and the army and the people together to fight this fitna [strife] that is trying to dig the roots of the country.
"Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while speaking in Quetta, has indicated to call a meeting of all parties. A few years ago, the national leadership was similarly united in response to the APS tragedy [i.e., the 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar that killed 149 people including 132 schoolchildren], and after that, the army chased the terrorists away from here. Pakistan Army has a lot of experience of fighting terrorists; as long as there is a relationship between the Pakistan Army and people, Pakistan cannot be defeated."
"In These Circumstances, What Option Remains For Pakistan Except To Give A Mouth-Breaking Reply To Those Living On The Island Of Stupidity Who Are Trying To Bring Pakistan To Its Knees By Waging A Long War?"
"In these circumstances, those conducting propaganda against the army are simply proving their enmity against the country. They should pay attention to the recent speech by [Balochistan Chief Minister] Sarfraz Bugti, who says that the state has done a lot for Baloch.
"The Balochs also have the rights that any common citizen has, but the separatists do not need the protection of common Balochs but complete rule over them, and they are determined to go to any length for this; so, their treatment is not dialogue, but strict accountability and punishment.
"The Baloch separatists also receive aid from Afghan soil, while the leadership of the TTP is also present in Afghanistan. The Afghan Interim [Taliban] Government has adopted a totally irresponsible attitude on this matter, due to which problems are increasing for Pakistan.
"According to the spokesman of the Foreign Office, Pakistan is trying hard to solve the problem of terrorism without getting into a conflict with Afghanistan, but there are no people present on the other side who can seriously ponder this issue. In these circumstances, what option remains for Pakistan except to give a mouth-breaking reply to those living on the island of stupidity, who are trying to bring Pakistan to its knees by waging a long war? But they do not realize the damage they are doing to themselves by getting burned in this fire of revenge.
"Along with the internal consensus, mutual unity, and full support for and cooperation with the army, the country's leadership should also make continuous efforts to consult with regional friendly countries and involve them in solving the problem because the fire of terrorism can also turn in the direction of other countries."
Following are excerpts from the Roznama Nawa-i-Waqt editorial: [3]
"After The Tragedy Of The Fall Of Dhaka [In 1971], India Also Began A Series Of Conspiracies To Undermine The Security Of The Remaining Pakistan. For This Purpose, It Acquired Nuclear Technology In 1974"
"Pakistan Army Spokesman's Eye-Opening Media Talk On Jaffer Express Tragedy
"As the details and facts of the terrorist of the Jaffer Express tragedy in Balochistan are coming to light, the national grief over this tragedy is increasing, and the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army and other security forces in the fight against terrorism are being valued more in the nation's hearts.
"The spokesperson of the Pakistan Army, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, while detailing the Jaffer Express tragedy in his press briefing yesterday [March 15], revealed that among the 26 passengers martyred at the hands of terrorists, 18 were military and FC [Frontier Constabulary] soldiers. This clearly reveals the apparent fact that the terrorists already knew that Pakistan Army soldiers were traveling on the Jaffer Express. That is why, after hijacking the train, they forced the passengers to disembark, identified the soldiers among them, and carried out their targeted killings.
"The separatist military organization Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which has claimed responsibility for the attack on Jaffer Express, has, in the name of its so-called separatist movement, previously carried out targeted killings of security officers, personnel, and Punjabi settlers. The aim of these actions is to create the impression of the country being internally weak.
"This agenda can never belong to any patriotic citizen, organization, or group within Pakistan because the desire to weaken Pakistan's security has only been India's from the beginning. India constantly seeks opportunities to achieve this goal and has already waged three wars against Pakistan. It has also succeeded in breaking Pakistan in two with the help of its nurtured military organization Mukti Bahini [the Indian-backed armed Bengali secessionist group thaat fought for the creation of Bangladesh in 1971].
"After the tragedy of the Fall of Dhaka [in 1971], India also began a series of conspiracies to undermine the security of the remaining Pakistan. For this purpose, it acquired atomic technology in 1974. When Pakistan countered these Indian conspiracies by becoming a nuclear power, India took control of the rivers flowing into Pakistan through Kashmir and began water terrorism against Pakistan."
"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, During His First Term, Boasted That The Time Had Come To Subject Pakistan To Another Tragedy Like The Fall Of Dhaka – Therefore, There Is No Room For Doubt That The Terrorist Organization BLA Is Operating Solely Under India's Agenda"
"Alongside [obtaining nuclear power], it expanded its conspiratorial network against Pakistan's security by deploying its trained terrorists within the country, initiating acts of sabotage, suicide attacks, and other terrorist activities.
"It is a fact that when the Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Bugti was killed during a military operation in 2006, there was a strong reaction, especially from Baloch youths. India saw this as an opportunity to advance its conspiracies against Pakistan's security and, by funding and sponsoring Baloch youths, facilitated the establishment of the separatist militant organization BLA in Balochistan.
Map courtesy: Jagranjosh.com
"This organization, seemingly as an expression of anger over Nawab Akbar Bugti's killing, initiated violent protests in Balochistan. Meanwhile, under its agenda to weaken Pakistan's security, India led Baloch youths toward the path of separatist movements. In reality, under Indian directives, they began acts of sabotage and targeted killings in Balochistan, even going so far as to attack and destroy Quaid-e-Azam's Residency in [the town of] Ziarat.
"This situation was undoubtedly a challenge for the authority of the state. Consequently, an operation was launched against separatist elements in Balochistan through the Frontier Constabulary (FC). At the same time, the federal government also attempted to bring these separatist Baloch elements into the national mainstream. However, India continued to lure them with various incentives, keeping them on the path of separatism.
"In this context, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first term, boasted that the time had come to subject Pakistan to another tragedy like the Fall of Dhaka. Therefore, there is no room for doubt that the terrorist organization BLA is operating solely under India's agenda, conspiring against Pakistan's security and engaging in terrorism, targeted killings, and other acts of sabotage in Balochistan."
"[The Pakistan Army Spokesman] Highlighted That Indian Media Has Been Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) To Create Fake And Old Videos To Spread Propaganda Against Pakistan, With The Aim Of Tarnishing Pakistan's Image"
"The Pakistan Army is determined to deal with these elements with an iron hand, which is why the officers and personnel of the security forces are selected [by BLA fighters] for targeted killings. If poisonous propaganda is spread on social media, whether from within the country or abroad, to mislead people against these operations, it is not far-fetched to assume that such elements are in contact with India.
"If the Jaffer Express terrorist incident has been sensationalized on social media using fake news and old videos to ridicule the Pakistan armed forces, then there remains little doubt that such individuals active on social media have links with the terrorists involved in the Jaffer Express tragedy and their facilitators.
"The Director General of ISPR [Inter-Services Public Relations department of the Pakistani military], in his press briefing, presented this very reality – that the main sponsor of the Jaffer Express attack is India. He highlighted that Indian media has been using artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake and old videos to spread propaganda against Pakistan, with the aim of tarnishing Pakistan's image.
"If such poisonous propaganda has been spread by the social media cell of a specific political party [alluding to Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party] in the country, it only confirms that the relevant individuals of that party have links with India. The DG ISPR has also confirmed Afghanistan's involvement in this terrorist incident, which India is undoubtedly using to achieve its objectives against Pakistan's security.
"In this context, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, while congratulating the security forces on the successful operation, emphasized that terrorists want to break Pakistan; therefore, separatist elements in Balochistan will be treated in the same manner as terrorists. Undoubtedly, nothing is more precious to us than the security of our country. The elements involved in heinous conspiracies against the nation's security – whether inside the country or abroad – must be dealt with using an iron hand. For this purpose, both the political and military leadership of the country are fully determined."
Following are excerpts from the Roznama Ummat editorial: [4]
"This Wave Is Not Only The Result Of Increased Activities Of Traditional Terrorist Organizations But Also Taking New Forms Due To Modern Techniques And Changes In International Relations"
"Indian Terrorism?
"Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that the Jaffer Express incident in Balochistan is a continuation of India's terrorist mindset. The eastern neighbor is the main sponsor of terrorism in Pakistan, while Afghanistan is a facilitator. Fake videos of the train incident on social media were made by AI.
"Throughout the operation, the terrorists were in constant contact with their handlers in Afghanistan. The terrorists had foreign weapons and equipment. Twenty-six people, including 18 security personnel, were martyred in the attack on Jaffer Express. The dead include three railway police officials and five civilians. These martyrdoms took place before the operation was launched [by the Pakistan army].
A screenshot of the Roznama Nawa-i-Waqt editorial
"Apart from this, there have been five operational martyrdoms of FC [Frontier Constabulary] during the entire operation, in which three FC soldiers were martyred by terrorists by attacking the post before targeting the train. An FC soldier was martyred in an exchange of fire on the morning of March 12. An FC soldier on duty in the train was also martyred during the attack. A total of 354 hostages have been rescued alive, including 37 injured, leading to fears that the death toll may rise. The terrorists did not take any passengers with them.
"There are missing persons [a reference to Baloch activists and their relatives picked up by Pakistani intelligence agencies] also in America, Britain and India; in which country and where do they attack their forces and their institutions?
"The Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti says that 'the Indian intelligence agency RAW is the maternal grandmother of terrorists. The state has all the evidence. During the PTl era [when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan was prime minister from 2018 to 2022], terrorists were brought and settled in Balochistan. The issue of missing persons is being used as a propaganda weapon against the state. No exception will be made in dealing with the elements spreading unrest.
"The decision to treat separatists like terrorists has been made. Terrorists have violated all these traditions. That is why I say they should not be called Baloch. Afghan land is being used against us and has been being used for a long time. The world will also have to think that this threat is not only for Pakistan. It should be noted that the new wave of terrorism has become a global problem, causing instability and concern in various regions.
"This wave is not only the result of increased activities of traditional terrorist organizations but also taking new forms due to modern techniques and changes in international relations. This wave started due to several reasons, including political instability, economic crisis, the promotion of extremist ideologies, and the growing role of social media.
"'Extremist groups are now using technology to spread their ideologies and achieve their goals in new ways, making their activities more complex and violent. The new wave of international terrorism poses challenges to governments. Especially, law enforcement agencies are facing difficulties in combating such advanced technologies and resources that are fueling terrorist incidents.
"'This situation increases the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing so that effective measures can be taken to prevent terrorism. For us, Balochistan is a sensitive area, where various incidents of terrorism and concern occur. The reasons for the wave of terrorism in Balochistan are various, including the presence of local separatist movements, extremist groups, and international elements playing a prominent role [in aiding terrorism]."
"The Solution To The Problem Of Terrorism Is Dependent Not Only On The Domestic Policies Of Pakistan's Government And Military But Also Requires Cooperation And Stable Relations At The International Level"
"There are some separatist groups in Balochistan who demand independence of the province from Pakistan. These groups carry out attacks for their own purposes, targeting government institutions, security forces, and non-Baloch civilians.
"According to these groups, the unfair distribution of Balochistan's resources and the violation of the rights of local people have led to their struggle. Terrorist organizations active in Balochistan are trying newer methods, including suicide bombings.
A screenshot of the Roznama Ummat editorial
"It is no longer a secret that India's role behind terrorism in Balochistan is fundamental. India is supporting separatists in Balochistan and promoting terrorism there so that Pakistan's internal security can be weakened. Although India denies these allegations, the red-handed arrest of terrorists like Kulbhushan [Jadhav] is irrefutable proof of Indian terrorism.
"These incidents of terrorism have increased in recent times and the security forces are facing these challenges. Due to terrorist attacks in different areas of Balochistan, the local people, security forces, and the government have suffered. The solution to the problem of terrorism is dependent not only on the domestic policies of Pakistan's government and military but also requires cooperation and stable relations at the international level.
"Political dialogue, protection of local people's rights and joint measures against terrorism are essential for establishing peace in Balochistan. Along with this, this matter should be raised in a concrete and effective manner with the neighboring countries. Along with diplomatic efforts, the voice should also be raised on international forums.
"India was allowed to play openly in Afghanistan during the previous [pre-Taliban] puppet government there. Apparently Indian consulates were closed during the Taliban era which were centers of terrorism. Yet it is beyond comprehension that terrorists are receiving support from there. Because Pakistan had given all possible help to the Taliban and had hoped that the western border would be secured after the establishment of the Taliban government..."
[1] Roznama Islam (Pakistan), March 15, 2025.
[2] The Kharijites (literally, "those who come out"), were an early Islamic sect that advocated excommunicating Muslims for even minor sins and was proclaimed heretical by the mainstream Sunna. Today, the term is used to brand Muslim groups as extremist
[3] Roznama Nawa-i-Waqt (Pakistan), March 16, 2025.
[4] Roznama Ummat (Pakistan), March 16, 2025.