India Rejects Pakistan’s Claim Over Jaffar Express Train Hijacking: ‘World Knows Where Epicentre of Terrorism Lies’

India on Friday dismissed allegations by Pakistan’s foreign office that it was involved in the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the claims were entirely baseless and urged Pakistan to address its internal issues rather than shifting blame. “The world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism lies. Pakistan should look inwards instead of pointing fingers,” he stated.

Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan accused India of being involved in terrorism in Pakistan. He claimed that the rebels who hijacked the Jaffar Express had been in contact with their handlers and ring leaders in Afghanistan.

The strong statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs came after Pakistan’s security forces announced they had neutralized all 33 Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) rebels involved in the hijacking of the train, which was carrying over 400 passengers. However, the Pakistani Army has not released any photographic or video evidence of what it called a “successful operation.” The BLA, meanwhile, contended that the military was covering up its defeat.

Jeeyand Baloch, a spokesperson for the BLA, maintained that fighting continues on multiple fronts and accused the state of abandoning its own soldiers. Released passengers who reached Quetta reported that BLA fighters had freed women, children, and the elderly soon after seizing the train.

The BLA has also called on Pakistani authorities to allow independent journalists and impartial observers into the conflict zone, arguing that the army’s refusal to do so highlights its failure in managing the situation.