Calls for Political Unity Grow After Jaffar Express Attack
It reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and prevent any group or ideology from spreading fear and violence.
Political leaders have emphasized the need for unity following the Jaffar Express terrorist attack in Balochistan’s Bolan district.
Militants from the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the train, detonated railway tracks, and held 440 passengers hostage in a tense standoff.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah, recalled that former PM Nawaz Sharif had reached out to PTI’s Imran Khan after the APS attack to foster political consensus.
He stated that Shehbaz is similarly open to engaging with all political parties, including PTI, to combat terrorism.
Shehbaz announced plans for a national leadership meeting to discuss counterterrorism strategies, mirroring the response to the APS tragedy.
He stressed the need for national solidarity to strengthen the armed forces against terrorism and extremist threats.
Without naming PTI, Shehbaz condemned propaganda against the armed forces, warning that such rhetoric is unacceptable.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized PTI for conditioning its participation in anti-terror talks on the release of its founder, Imran Khan.
Speaking on “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath,” he reiterated the government’s readiness to convene an all-parties conference (APC) without preconditions.
The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Jaffar Express attack and all forms of terrorism.
The resolution, signed by representatives of all parties, commended the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
It reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and prevent any group or ideology from spreading fear and violence.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja described the attack as a national tragedy, calling for bridging divisions and addressing the grievances of Balochistan.
Senator Shibli Faraz, PTI’s Leader of Opposition in the Senate, demanded an APC on terrorism in Balochistan and urged the release of PTI’s founder on parole for participation.