Pakistan Accuses Afghanistan of Train Attack; Taliban Deny Claims as “Baseless”
The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed Pakistan’s allegations linking Afghanistan to a recent deadly attack on a passenger train in Balochistan, calling the claims “baseless.” The ministry urged Islamabad to address its internal security challenges rather than level accusations, while also expressing regret over civilian casualties in the incident.
On Tuesday, armed militants affiliated with the Baloch separatist movement stormed a passenger train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, taking over 400 hostages. Pakistani forces later reported killing all 33 attackers in a counter-operation.
In a sharp rebuttal, Zia Ahmad Takal, spokesperson for the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry, stated: “We categorically reject the unfounded accusations by Pakistani officials implicating Afghanistan in this attack. Instead of irresponsible rhetoric, Pakistan should focus on resolving its own security failures.” The ministry emphasized that Baloch insurgents “have no presence in Afghanistan.”
Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, doubled down on claims of Afghan involvement, asserting: “We have evidence that communications related to the attack were traced to Afghanistan.” He called on the Taliban-led government to “arrest and prosecute those responsible for planning and funding this act of terror.” Ali also accused India of “sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan.”
Balochistan, a restive region in southwestern Pakistan, has witnessed decades of insurgency led by Baloch separatist groups demanding greater autonomy or independence. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan and India of supporting these groups—a claim both nations deny. The latest exchange underscores ongoing tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban, despite earlier efforts to foster cooperation.
