Pakistan says train hijacking ‘orchestrated’ from Afghanistan, urges Kabul to rein in militants

Pakistan says train hijacking ‘orchestrated’ from Afghanistan, urges Kabul to rein in militants
A paramilitary soldier stands guard at a railway station in Quetta on March 12, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 13 March 2025
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Pakistan says train hijacking ‘orchestrated’ from Afghanistan, urges Kabul to rein in militants

Pakistan says train hijacking ‘orchestrated’ from Afghanistan, urges Kabul to rein in militants
  • Separatist Baloch Liberation Army outfit stormed train in Balochistan on Tuesday, held over 400 passengers hostage 
  • Analysts say attack reflects “strategic shift” in BLA’s approach of moving away from just military targets to civilians 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said on Thursday a train hijacking by separatist militants in southwestern Balochistan was orchestrated from neighboring Afghanistan, calling on Kabul to crackdown on insurgents operating from its soil.

Militants blew up the rail tracks and opened fire on the Jaffar Express as it made its way to Peshawar in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Quetta, the capital of mineral-rich Balochistan, on Tuesday. 

Separatist groups are fighting a decades-long insurgency to win secession of the southwestern mineral-rich province, home to major China-led projects such as a port and a gold and copper mine. Balochistan is also home to key other mining projects, including Reko Diq, run by mining giant Barrick Gold, and believed to be one of the world’s largest gold and copper mines. Though Pakistan’s largest province by area, Balochistan is the smallest by population. Balochistan also has a long Arabian Sea coastline, not far from the Gulf’s Strait of Hormuz oil shipping lane.

The decades-old insurgency has continued to keep the province of some 15 million people unstable and created security concerns around Pakistan’s plans to access untapped resources. 

A total of 21 hostages and four security troops were killed in the latest standoff, according to the military, but the BLA — the largest of Balochistan’s armed ethnic groups battling the government, which claimed the attack — said 50 hostages were executed.

On Wednesday night, the military said the day-long rescue operation had ended, with 21 hostages and four security troops killed.

“The latest terrorist attack against Jaffar Express near Sibi, Balochistan, was also orchestrated and directed by terrorist ringleaders operating from abroad,” Khan said in a weekly press briefing. 

“Terrorists were in direct communications with Afghanistan-based planners throughout the incident.”

The spokesman said Pakistan had repeatedly asked the interim Afghan government to deny the use of its soil to terror groups.

“We urge Afghanistan to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers of this reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and cooperate with the government of Pakistan to bring all those who are concerned with this attack, including the real sponsors of terrorism, to justice.”

Khan added that the government remained determined to take care of the problem of terrorism “aggressively.”

“STRATEGIC SHIFT?”

The BLA is the strongest of a number of insurgent groups long operating in Balochistan, bordering Afghanistan and Iran. The insurgents have been fighting to lay a claim to local resources which they say belong to their people.

Balochistan’s mountainous and remote border regions serves as a safe haven and training ground for the Baloch island other militants. 

The BLA shocked the country’s security establishment when it stormed army and navy bases in 2022. Last August it conducted a series of coordinate attacks in Balochistan in which over 50, including troops, were killed. It has deployed women suicide bombers in recent years, including in an attack on Chinese nationals at a university in Karachi and a bombing in southwest Balochistan. An umbrella group of several Baloch ethnic groups said last week that it had convened all factions in a bid to unite them under a unified military structure. A dormant BLA splinter group called BLA (AZAD) became active in recent weeks.

Hundreds of Baloch activists, many of them women, have protested in Islamabad and Balochistan over alleged abuses by security forces — accusations the government denies.

Islamabad accuses India and Afghanistan of backing the militants to damage Pakistan’s relations with China, a charge both countries deny.

Speaking to Arab News, security analysts described Tuesday’s hijacking of the train as a “strategic shift” by the BLA in terms of moving away from just military targets to unarmed civilians.

“This may give them instant public and media attention but will weaken their support base within the civilian population which is their ultimate objective,” Syed Muhammad Ali, an Islamabad-based security analyst, told Arab News. “This attack on train passengers will reduce sympathy for BLA and improve public support for military action against terrorists.”

Another security analyst, Dr. Qamar Cheema, Executive Director at the Sanober Institute, said the real challenge was the vast and mountainous terrain of Balochistan, which militant organizations were able to exploit. 

He said Pakistan needed to invest in more technology including drones, artificial intelligence and other advanced systems, to monitor and manage remote areas in Balochistan where there was little to no population presence.

Dr. Talat Shabbir, director of the China Pakistan Study Center at the Institute of Strategic Studies, said the BLA’s attack on a passenger train is a reflection of its increasing capacity to carry out acts of “terrorism” and killing people on a larger scale. 

“This also speaks of some gaps somewhere due to which terrorists could have that intelligence to carry out such an operation,” he told Arab News.

However, Shabbir acknowledged that Pakistan’s security forces also responded swiftly to effectively manage the situation.

He said the train hijacking would not only impact investor confidence in Balochistan, but also create a “ripple effect” across the country.

“The solution to this problem lies in simultaneously implementing security measures to suppress terrorist attacks and politically engaging with the people of Balochistan,” he added. 

Brig. (Retd.) Masud Ahmed Khan, a defense analyst, said the main target of the attacks was the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project in Balochistan with Chinese investment. 

“The real target is CPEC and Chinese investment, with an aim to destabilize Balochistan and target Chinese interests in the province,” Khan said. 

With inputs from Reuters


Pakistan president visits Balochistan, vows to establish state’s writ amid surging attacks

Pakistan president visits Balochistan, vows to establish state’s writ amid surging attacks
Updated 19 March 2025
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Pakistan president visits Balochistan, vows to establish state’s writ amid surging attacks

Pakistan president visits Balochistan, vows to establish state’s writ amid surging attacks
  • Separatist militants last week hijacked train in Balochistan, holding hundreds hostage
  • President demands modern weapons for law enforcement agencies to strengthen security 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari visited Balochistan’s Quetta city on Wednesday to review the law and order situation in the province, vowing that the state would establish its writ there despite surging militant attacks in recent days. 

Zardari’s visit to Quetta takes place as Pakistan struggles to contain militant attacks in the southwestern province, where separatists last week hijacked a train and held hostage hundreds of passengers. The military launched an operation and, after a day-long standoff, rescued 354 captives and killed 33 insurgents. A final count showed 23 soldiers, three railway employees and five passengers had died in the attack.

Zardari arrived in Quetta on a day-long visit with his son and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday. The two attended a meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to review the security situation in the province. 

“President Asif Ali Zardari says the terrorist elements will be defeated at all costs and writ of the state will be ensured in Balochistan,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said. 

The Pakistani president said “terrorists” want to divide the nation, vowing they would never succeed in their ambitions. 

“The president said that modern arms would be provided to the Counter-Terrorism Département and other law enforcement institutions to strengthen security efforts,” the state broadcaster reported. 

Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest province by land but its most backward by almost all economic and social indicators. For decades it has been plagued by a low-level insurgency by militants fighting for a greater share of the province’s wealth.

Separatist militants, such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) accuse the central government of denying locals a share of Balochistan’s mineral resources. The federal government and the military strongly deny these accusations, and say they have launched several projects in the province to support its development. 

Militant violence has persisted in the province after the train hijacking. Three paramilitary soldiers among five people were killed in a suicide attack in Balochistan’s Nushki district on Sunday. 

A top parliamentary panel on national security met in Islamabad on Tuesday to discuss surging attacks in Balochistan. The panel stressed the need for a national consensus to counter militancy, calling for a unified political stance to confront the threat with “full force of the state.”


Pakistan football team to travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for AFC Asian Cup qualifier camp

Pakistan football team to travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for AFC Asian Cup qualifier camp
Updated 19 March 2025
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Pakistan football team to travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for AFC Asian Cup qualifier camp

Pakistan football team to travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow for AFC Asian Cup qualifier camp
  • Pakistan will face Syria in AFC Asian Cup qualifier fixture on Mar. 25 in Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahsa
  • Green shirts to resume training camp in Saudi Arabia under Head Coach Stephen Constantine

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's national football team will travel to Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Thursday, where they will resume training for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier fixture against Syria, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) said in a statement. 

Pakistan will kick off their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification campaign against Syria on Mar. 25 at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. 

The green shirts concluded their training session in the eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday night, the PFF said. 

"The team is set to depart for Saudi Arabia tomorrow night, where they will continue their training under the guidance of Head Coach Stephen Constantine," the PFF said. 

Earlier this month, Pakistan reappointed Constantine, who previously served as the country's head coach from late 2023 until mid-2024, as head coach for the Syria fixture. 

Pakistan's inclusion in the qualifier was made possible after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) lifted its international suspension against the country earlier this month. 

FIFA hit Pakistan on Feb. 6 with a third international suspension in less than eight years after the federation rejected its electoral reforms. Following the suspension, the PFF unanimously approved FIFA's proposed constitutional amendments in an extraordinary meeting in Lahore this month. 

Pakistan are placed in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers alongside Syria, Afghanistan and Myanmar.

PAKISTAN PROBABLES

Goal-Keepers: Yousuf Butt, Saqib Hanif, Abdul Basit and Adam Khan

Defenders: Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Haseeb Khan, Junaid Shah, Mamoon Moosa, Mohammad Fazal, Abdul Rehman and Waqar Ihtisam

Midfielders: Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Uzair, Ali Zafar, Muhammad Umar Hayat, Rahis Nabi, Toqeer ul Hassan, Umair Ali and Moin Ahmed

Forwards: Fareedullah, Harun Hamid, Imran Kayani, Mckeal Abdullah, Abdul Samad, Shayak Dost and Muhammad Adeel Younas


Pakistan, Russia conduct joint naval exercise in North Arabian Sea

Pakistan, Russia conduct joint naval exercise in North Arabian Sea
Updated 19 March 2025
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Pakistan, Russia conduct joint naval exercise in North Arabian Sea

Pakistan, Russia conduct joint naval exercise in North Arabian Sea
  • Both navies hold ‘Arabian Monsoon-VI’ exercise in Arabian Sea to enhance interoperability
  • Russian navy delegates meet Pakistan Navy officials, pay tribute to Pakistan founder Jinnah

KARACHI: Pakistani and Russian navies conducted a bilateral naval exercise named “Arabian Monsoon-VI” in the North Arabian Sea on Wednesday, the Pakistan Navy said in a statement, in their bid to counter maritime security threats and enhance interoperability. 

Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have strengthened their relations through increased dialogue, trade and cooperation in energy and defense. Regular port visits and joint exercises between the Pakistan Navy and the Russian Navy have deepened bilateral ties, enhanced naval collaboration and fostered mutual trust.

“Various assets of Pakistan Navy, including a Destroyer, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, a Fast Attack Craft (Missile), a Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a UAV, participated in the exercise alongside Russian Federation Navy ships,” the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) of the Pakistan Navy said. 

Multi-faceted maritime warfare serials and a coordinated patrol featured in the exercise, which also aimed at enhancing the interoperability of both navies, it added.

The exercise also featured participation from the Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft. 

The Russian navy delegates also called on Pakistan Navy officials and paid tribute to the nation’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, laying a floral wreath at his mausoleum.

“Joint maritime exercises with key naval forces underscore Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and ensuring a stable maritime order in the region,” the statement added.

On Mar. 13, the Russian navy flotilla arrived in the southern port city of Karachi where cross-ship visits, harbor drills and table-top discussions between the two sides were conducted. 

The Pakistan Navy regularly collaborates with allies and friendly nations, conducting joint military exercises to enhance synergy, promote regional peace and stability, deter piracy, drug trafficking and other illicit maritime activities.


Pakistan stocks hit record high on strong buying from local institutions

Pakistan stocks hit record high on strong buying from local institutions
Updated 19 March 2025
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Pakistan stocks hit record high on strong buying from local institutions

Pakistan stocks hit record high on strong buying from local institutions
  • The KSE-100 Index hit a record high of 117,974 points, rising by 973 points
  • Overall, 543 million shares were traded, with a turnover of Rs 32 billion

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s benchmark stock index (PSX) hit an all-time high on Wednesday, nearing the barrier of 118,000 points due to strong buying activity from local institutions, Topline Securities said. 

The KSE-100 Index hit a record high of 117,974 points, rising by 973 points (0.83 percent). 

“The market continued its upward momentum, fueled by strong buying activity from local institutions, peaking at 118,244 points during the day,” Topline Securities said in its market review. 

The rally was primarily driven by Hub Power Company, Mari Energies, Engro Holdings, Systems Limited and Pakistan Petroleum, which together contributed 551 points to the index. On the other hand, Fauji Fertilizer Company, Engro Fertilizer, and Pakistan Oilfields exerted downward pressure, pulling the index down by 54 points.

“Overall, 543 million shares were traded, with a turnover of Rs 32 billion. Pakistan International Bulk Terminal topped the volume chart with 52 million shares traded,” Topline added. 

Mohammed Sohail, a chief executive at Topline Securities, attributed the bull run to “expectations that the government will agree with banks to resolve old circular debt issues that will help listed energy companies.”

In Pakistan, “circular debt” refers to a cascading cycle of unpaid liabilities within the energy sector, where power distribution companies (DISCOs) fail to pay the Central Power Purchasing Authority-Guarantee (CPPA-G), which in turn cannot pay power generation companies (GENCOs), and so on.

The government last week announced it had reached an agreement with banks to extend PHL, a state-owned entity, Rs1.25 trillion in financing at a favorable floating interest rate of Kibor minus 0.90pc per annum.

The move was described as part of a broad strategy to eliminate circular debt in the power sector, which has been fueled by unpaid bills, theft, and distribution losses that have continued to accumulate over the past decade. Circular debt is one of the most contentious issues in Pakistan’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the first review of its $7 billion bailout program.

Sana Tawfik, head of research at Arif Habib Limited, said the positive momentum in stocks was continuing since last week.

“Secondly, volume levels have improved since Ramazan’s first week — that is, buying activity is visible,” she said. “On the economic front, there has been significant progress made regarding the IMF deal.” 
 


Pakistan announces three-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday from Mar. 31 to Apr. 2 

Pakistan announces three-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday from Mar. 31 to Apr. 2 
Updated 19 March 2025
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Pakistan announces three-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday from Mar. 31 to Apr. 2 

Pakistan announces three-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday from Mar. 31 to Apr. 2 
  • Ramadan began in Pakistan on Mar. 2, a day after most other Muslims nations
  • Eid Al-Fitr festival at the end of Ramadan is expected to fall on Mar. 31 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has announced a three-day holiday from Mar. 31 to Apr. 2 on account of the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Fitr, the cabinet division said on Wednesday. 

Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for Muslims worldwide. Ramadan began in Pakistan on Mar. 2, a day after most other Muslims nations, and the Eid Al-Fitr festival at end of the holy month is expected to fall on Mar. 31.

Pakistan’s central moon sighting committee, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, spots the Shawwal moon and declares Eid dates in advance.

“It is notified that the Prime Minister has been pleased to declare public holidays (Monday to Wednesday) on the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr,” the notification from the cabinet division said. 

Eid Al-Fitr is one of two major Muslim festivals, the other being Eid Al-Adha, which is marked by the slaughtering of animals such as sheep and goats whose meat is shared among family and friends and donated to the poor. This year, Eid Al-Adha is expected to fall on June 6 or 7, marking the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage.