India behind attack on Jaffar Express in Bolan: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has claimed that India was behind the attack on the Jaffar Express train in Bolan district, Balochistan, which claimed 21 innocent lives.

During a weekly briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson said the attack was planned by terrorists operating from outside the country. He urged the Afghan government to take action against the culprits and cooperate with Pakistan.

He added that Pakistan has long been a victim of terrorism, often targeted by elements based outside its borders. Evidence from traced calls linked the train attack to contacts in Afghanistan.

Shafqat Ali Khan said that Pakistan had completed the rescue operation for the Jaffar Express attack. He noted that diplomatic discussions on such matters are not disclosed on public forums. Pakistan has previously shared complete details of similar incidents with Afghanistan, and this process continues.

The spokesperson also stated that many friendly countries had condemned the attack, and Pakistan maintains strong counter-terrorism cooperation with several nations. He emphasised that Pakistan’s policy remains unchanged.

TORKHAM BORDER ISSUE

Shafqat Ali Khan rejected propaganda suggesting Pakistan was unwilling to open the Torkham border. He clarified that Pakistan wanted to keep the crossing open but accused Afghan authorities of attempting to construct outposts inside Pakistani territory. He asserted that Pakistan would not allow any unauthorised construction and stressed that Pakistan’s priority was fostering friendly and close ties with Afghanistan.

POSSIBLE US BAN ON PAKISTANI CITIZENS’ ENTRY

The Foreign Office, taking note of reports regarding a possible entry ban on Pakistani citizens to the US, dismissed them as mere rumours, stating that no official confirmation had been received.

Regarding K.K. Ahsan Wagan, the spokesperson explained that he was on a private visit to the U.S. and was not entitled to diplomatic immunity. After the initial screening, he underwent a second security check before being allowed entry. The government is investigating the matter.

PAKISTANI PRISONERS IN SPAIN

Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed that four Pakistani prisoners in Spain were released following court orders. The government has requested consular access to the remaining detainees, but permission has not yet been granted.

Initially, reports suggested that 14 Pakistanis were arrested in Spain, but later the number was revised to nine.

Jaffar Express attack: at least 25 bodies retrieved