The Taliban government has strongly denied Pakistan’s accusations that Afghanistan-based militants were involved in the hijacking of a passenger train in Balochistan, calling the claims “baseless.”
On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, dismissed Pakistan’s allegations, urging its neighbor to focus on its internal security challenges rather than making “irresponsible remarks.”
“We categorically reject baseless allegations by the Pakistani army spokesperson linking the attack on a passenger train in Balochistan province with Afghanistan, and urge the Pakistani side to focus on resolving their own security and internal problems,” Balkhi stated.
Balochistan Train Hijacking: What Happened?
On Tuesday, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar was hijacked in the Bolan region of Balochistan by separatist militants, who took hundreds of passengers hostage.
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The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group operating in the region, claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident raised fresh concerns about Pakistan’s security situation, particularly in the restive province of Balochistan, which has seen a surge in militant activity in recent months.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions on the Rise
The allegations from Pakistan’s military reflect the growing tensions between the two countries. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring militant groups that launch attacks inside Pakistan, a claim the Taliban has consistently denied.
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The Balochistan region has long been a hotspot for separatist insurgencies, with groups like the BLA demanding independence from Pakistan. The latest attack has further strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul, as Pakistan looks to control rising insurgency within its borders.
Afghanistan’s Response and Diplomatic Fallout
Afghanistan’s rejection of Pakistan’s claims signals a continued deterioration in diplomatic ties between the two nations. The Taliban has repeatedly urged Pakistan to manage its own internal security issues rather than blaming Afghanistan for its troubles.
With cross-border tensions escalating and Baloch separatist movements gaining momentum, the hijacking in Balochistan could become another flashpoint in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
