Afghan Soil Used in Jaffar Express Attack: FO

The Foreign Office said that terrorists involved in the Jaffar Express hijacking were in “direct contact” with their handlers in Afghanistan. Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Afghan soil was used in the attack, and terrorist ring leaders orchestrated the incident from abroad. He added that terrorists communicated with their Afghan-based planners throughout the standoff. The Foreign Office urged Kabul to cooperate and take action against those responsible.

Pakistan has repeatedly asked the Afghan government to prevent groups like the BLA from using its territory for attacks. “We urge Afghanistan to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable,” the spokesperson said. Pakistan will formally take up the matter with Afghan authorities after collecting evidence. However, the Afghan Taliban rejected Pakistan’s claims regarding the use of Afghan soil for the attack.

Read more: Security Forces Bring an End to Jaffar Express Siege

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are already tense and this incident may worsen the situation. The spokesperson said terrorist sanctuaries across the border are a major obstacle in bilateral ties. Other issues, like the closure of the Torkham border crossing since February 21, have also complicated relations. Additionally, Pakistan has set a March 31, 2025, deadline for Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave the country. Those remaining beyond this date will be considered illegal residents.

On the issue of a possible US travel ban on Pakistanis, the spokesperson dismissed the reports as speculation. “As of now, this is speculative,” he said, adding that Pakistan is in close contact with US authorities. He also provided details on the recent deportation of Pakistani diplomat KK Ahsan Wagan, who was denied entry to the US. Pakistan is investigating the incident, while the Foreign Office regretted the social media controversy surrounding it.