Following the devastating terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express in Balochistan’s Bolan region, leaders from both the government and opposition have emphasized the need for national unity to combat terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting with political leaders in Quetta, underscored the importance of collective solidarity to support the armed forces in their fight against extremism.
A Brutal Attack and a Swift Military Response
On Tuesday, militants from the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) targeted the Jaffer Express, detonating explosives on the railway tracks before taking around 440 passengers hostage in a remote mountain pass. Security forces swiftly launched a rescue operation, eliminating 33 attackers. However, the tragedy was already profound—before the operation could begin, terrorists had killed 21 passengers, and four security personnel were martyred.
Political Leadership’s Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif compared the current security crisis to the 2014 Army Public School (APS) attack, which had prompted a national political consensus. His advisor, Rana Sanaullah, reminded the public that then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had reached out to PTI founder Imran Khan after APS to ensure unity against terrorism.
“Today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is ready to sit with all political forces, including PTI, for the sake of the country’s security,” Sanaullah said in an interview on Geo Pakistan.
During his speech, Shehbaz Sharif also condemned what he called “poisonous propaganda” against the armed forces. Without naming PTI directly, he criticized elements within the country for using language that undermines military institutions.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged all parties in the National Assembly to acknowledge that terrorism is a shared enemy. “If political leadership fails to build a consensus, this menace will not remain confined to Pakistan—it will spread across the region and the world,” he warned.
PTI’s Demand for Imran Khan’s Release Before Talks
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for an All-Parties Conference (APC) on terrorism but has conditioned its participation on the release of its founder, Imran Khan, on parole. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized this stance, stating that counterterrorism should not be subjected to political bargaining.
“This is a national security issue—it should be addressed unconditionally,” Asif said on Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath, rejecting PTI’s “No Khan, no Pakistan” approach.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also weighed in, affirming that the government was open to dialogue with Baloch leaders but distinguishing between legitimate grievances and militant violence. “The militants have no connection with the Baloch people,” he stated.
National Assembly Passes Resolution Against Terrorism
The National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the hijacking of Jaffer Express and all acts of terrorism. The resolution, introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chaudhry, was signed by representatives of all political parties. It praised the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Frontier Corps, SSG, and law enforcement agencies for their bravery and sacrifices.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism, vowing to prevent any group, individual, or ideology from threatening national security. “No terrorist activity will be allowed to go unchecked—those who seek to destabilize Pakistan will face the full force of the law,” the resolution stated.
Calls for Broader Dialogue on Balochistan’s Issues
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja described the attack as a “national tragedy,” emphasizing that Pakistan’s leadership must listen to the real concerns of the people, especially in Balochistan.
Senator Shibli Faraz, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, echoed calls for an APC focused on terrorism in Balochistan. He insisted that Imran Khan should be released on parole to participate in the dialogue.
Sahibzada Hamid Raza, head of the Sunni Ittehad Council and a PTI ally, stressed the urgency of a national conversation on Balochistan’s challenges. Speaking on Capital Talk, he called for immediate action to address the province’s longstanding grievances.
With political tensions high, the debate over national security remains deeply intertwined with broader political conflicts. Whether an APC will materialize—and whether all key stakeholders will participate—remains to be seen.
