Taliban Denies Involvement in Jaffar Express Attack

The Taliban government has denied Pakistan's allegations that Afghan-based militants were involved in the Jaffar Express train hijacking in Balochistan, urging Islamabad to focus on its internal security issues. The train, carrying 440 passengers, was attacked by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility and demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners. The siege resulted in the deaths of 21 civilians, four soldiers, and 33 militants, raising questions about a security lapse. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the site to review security and express solidarity with locals, following a successful rescue operation by Pakistani forces. Military officials highlighted the BLA's communication with Afghan-based leaders during the attack, further straining Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. The incident has drawn international attention, adding to the history of train hijackings globally.