Govt, PTI in war of words over Balochistan train hijack

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) blamed the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express on an intelligence failure, prompting a stern response from government ministers, who accused Imran Khan’s party of targeting state institutions, including the intelligence agencies and the army, for political point-scoring at a critical time.

PTI’s official account on X released a statement regarding the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, where over 400 passengers were taken hostage by terrorists.

The party criticised intelligence agencies, alleging that they were more focused on targeting PTI workers than addressing the country’s deteriorating law and order situation. In a strongly worded statement, PTI also demanded “accountability of intelligence agencies,” asserting that the attack was a result of security institutions’ negligence.

PTI’s remarks sparked outrage within government circles, leading to strong reactions from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and former Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah. They accused PTI of aiding the enemy by fueling anti-military sentiment.

Taking to X, Ishaq Dar stated, "PTI has revealed the ugly face of its politics in the wake of the Jaffar Express attack. While the enemy targeted innocent Pakistani citizens, PTI blamed the army. The nation now sees through this unholy nexus of enemies. This is treason!"

Meanwhile, Ataullah Tarar labeled PTI as "facilitators of terrorists," accusing the party of "derailing the country’s interests." He also emphasizsd that the United States has acknowledged Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the army’s relentless work to prevent further loss of innocent lives after the cowardly attack on the train.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif condemned PTI for criticizing the military at a time when the army was actively engaged in rescue operations to free the Jaffar Express hostages.

"The war against terrorism is a war of the entire nation. Our forces are sacrificing their lives daily to protect 250 million Pakistanis. In this environment, a political group, whose leader is serving a sentence for theft, is relentlessly targeting the army," he wrote on X.

Former Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also lashed out at PTI, calling its criticism of the military during such a crucial time “unacceptable.”

 "PTI’s hate speech against the army amid the Jaffar Express attack is nothing short of treachery. While remaining silent on terrorism, they are shamelessly targeting our armed forces."

The government has reiterated its stance that national unity is essential in the fight against terrorism, urging political parties to stand with the security forces instead of politicising national security issues.