Jaffar Express Tragedy Deepens Diplomatic Rift: Pakistan Demands Answers from Kabul Over Afghan Territory’s Role in Terrorism

In a development that has further strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul, Pakistan has demanded that Afghanistan explain how terrorists involved in the Jaffar Express attack were in contact with handlers operating from Afghan soil. The protest, lodged by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and conveyed directly to the Taliban’s Chargé d’affaires, Sardar Ahmad Shekib, underscores Islamabad’s frustration over the repeated use of Afghan territory by militant groups targeting Pakistan.

A Harrowing Attack and Its Aftermath

The Jaffar Express attack, which has sent shockwaves through the region, unfolded last week in the remote Bolan district. Outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants orchestrated a brazen assault by blowing up train tracks and then holding over 440 passengers hostage during a prolonged standoff with security forces. The ensuing operation, characterized by intense combat in rugged mountainous terrain, ultimately resulted in the rescue of stranded passengers and the elimination of a significant number of attackers. However, the toll was devastating—26 passengers lost their lives before the military intervention, and four security personnel were martyred during the operation. In addition, 18 security personnel and several officials from Pakistan Railways and other government departments were among those killed.

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, speaking after the operation, revealed that intelligence had confirmed the terrorists maintained contact with their handlers in Afghanistan. Among those implicated was a key figure, a former Afghan Army serviceman, whose transition from official military ranks to terrorist activities has added another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.

Islamabad’s Stern Response and Diplomatic Protest

In the wake of the attack, Islamabad has not remained silent. Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue a formal public statement, sources indicate that high-ranking officials in Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned the Afghan Chargé d’affaires, Sardar Ahmad Shekib, for a direct confrontation. The meeting was charged with emotion as Pakistani diplomats expressed their strong protest against the use of Afghan territory as a safe haven for terrorists.

During the discussion, Pakistani officials reminded Shekib of Afghanistan’s international commitments, particularly those outlined in the Doha Agreement. This accord, reached between the Afghan Taliban and the United States, explicitly contained assurances that Afghan soil would not be used to facilitate attacks against Pakistan. Islamabad’s reminder of these assurances is a pointed message that breaches of these guarantees have tangible, dangerous consequences.

The protest reflects a broader sentiment in Islamabad that Afghanistan’s failure to control militant activities on its territory not only undermines regional security but also tarnishes its international standing. Islamabad’s insistence on accountability is rooted in the belief that any lapse in preventing terrorist activities from operating within its borders directly endangers the lives of innocent citizens and the stability of the entire region.

The Web of Terrorist Networks and Cross-Border Connections

The intelligence gathered by Pakistan’s security services paints a concerning picture of a well-coordinated terrorist network that exploits the porous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The revelation that the attackers had maintained active communication with handlers in Afghanistan suggests that militant groups may be benefiting from safe havens and logistical support on the other side of the border.

This is not the first time that Pakistani security officials have pointed fingers at militant networks operating from Afghan territory. In recent years, there has been growing evidence that groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have leveraged their operational freedom in Afghanistan to plan and execute attacks within Pakistan. Statistics from the Global Terrorism Index 2025 have highlighted a concerning correlation between the resurgence of terrorist incidents in Pakistan and the perceived increased operational latitude granted to these groups following the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul.

Adding to the complexity is the involvement of individuals with prior military experience. The presence of a former Afghan Army member among the terrorists in the Jaffar Express attack has raised alarming questions about the extent to which ex-military personnel may be co-opted into terrorist networks. This crossover not only underscores the adaptive nature of these militant groups but also signals potential challenges for regional security, as former state actors bring with them tactical expertise and training that can enhance the operational capabilities of terrorist cells.

Diplomatic Tensions and International Repercussions

The latest incident has reignited longstanding tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism. Islamabad’s explicit reminder to Kabul about its obligations under the Doha Agreement is both a diplomatic rebuke and a demand for concrete action. The protest comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with an uptick in terrorist activities, and Islamabad is determined to prevent its territory from being exploited by hostile actors.

In a broader international context, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation. High-profile world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have voiced their disapproval of the attack, underscoring the global implications of cross-border terrorism. This international outcry not only reinforces Pakistan’s position but also sends a clear message that the use of any country’s territory to orchestrate acts of terrorism will not be tolerated by the global community.

Moreover, a recent United Nations Security Council resolution that explicitly named the BLA and the Majeed Brigade as terrorist organizations has provided Pakistan with a diplomatic platform to assert its stance. The UNSC’s strong language serves to legitimize Islamabad’s demands for accountability and highlights the international community’s recognition of the threat posed by these militant groups.

The Role of the Doha Agreement in Regional Security

The Doha Agreement, signed by the Afghan Taliban and the United States, was intended to serve as a foundation for a more stable and secure Afghanistan. One of the key assurances provided in the agreement was that Afghan territory would not be misused to launch attacks on neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan. Islamabad’s reminder of these assurances during its interaction with Sardar Ahmad Shekib is a stark reminder that commitments made at the international level must be upheld to maintain regional stability.

However, the repeated violations of these assurances have not only strained Afghan-Pakistani relations but have also called into question the efficacy of the Doha Agreement in curbing cross-border terrorism. For Islamabad, the failure to enforce these commitments is unacceptable, and the country is now taking a firmer stance by demanding that Kabul take immediate and decisive action to prevent its soil from being used as a launchpad for terrorist activities.

Challenges Ahead: Security, Sovereignty, and Diplomatic Maneuvering

The current diplomatic spat between Islamabad and Kabul underscores the perennial challenges associated with border security and the complexities of regional geopolitics. Afghanistan’s porous borders have long been a source of concern for Pakistan, with militant groups exploiting the terrain to move freely between the two countries. The Jaffar Express attack is yet another reminder of the vulnerabilities that arise from these porous borders and the urgent need for coordinated cross-border security measures.

For Afghanistan, the challenge lies in balancing its internal security concerns with the international pressure to control militant activities within its borders. The Taliban, which currently controls Kabul and maintains a delicate relationship with neighboring countries, now finds itself under increased scrutiny. The diplomatic protest from Islamabad is not only a challenge to the Taliban’s governance but also a test of its ability to rein in elements within its territory that could destabilize the broader region.

A Call for International Cooperation and Long-Term Solutions

While the immediate focus remains on addressing the fallout from the Jaffar Express attack, the incident has broader implications for regional security and international cooperation. The complex web of militant networks operating across Afghanistan and Pakistan calls for a concerted effort by the international community to address the root causes of cross-border terrorism. This includes not only diplomatic engagement but also coordinated security operations and intelligence sharing among affected countries.

For Pakistan, the current situation is a clarion call for both stronger domestic security measures and more robust international collaboration. By working closely with global partners and leveraging platforms such as the United Nations Security Council, Islamabad aims to ensure that violations of international commitments are met with swift and decisive action. The hope is that a sustained international effort can help dismantle the networks that have repeatedly exploited Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan.

Conclusion: The Road to Accountability and Regional Stability

The Jaffar Express attack has, without doubt, cast a long shadow over the already fragile relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad’s demand for an explanation regarding the use of Afghan soil by terrorists is a testament to the country’s determination to hold its neighbors accountable and to safeguard its national security. As Pakistan continues to grapple with the ramifications of the attack, the diplomatic protest lodged with Afghan Chargé d’affaires Sardar Ahmad Shekib is a clear signal that Islamabad will not tolerate any misuse of territory that threatens its sovereignty.

Moving forward, both countries—and the broader international community—face a pivotal moment. The challenge is not only to address the immediate fallout from this tragic incident but also to implement long-term strategies that prevent such attacks from recurring. For Afghanistan, this means taking concrete steps to control its borders and ensure that its territory is not used as a launchpad for terrorism. For Pakistan, it involves strengthening its security apparatus and forging stronger international alliances to counter the threat of cross-border militant activities.

Ultimately, the pursuit of accountability and the quest for regional stability hinge on a collective willingness to confront and resolve the complex issues at the heart of cross-border terrorism. The events surrounding the Jaffar Express attack serve as a sobering reminder of the devastating human cost of these conflicts—and the urgent need for comprehensive, coordinated action to secure a more peaceful future for the entire region.