External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal | Photo: PTI External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal | Photo: PTI

India strongly rejects the allegations made by Pakistan over the Jaffar Express hijack, asserting that the "world knows where the epicentre of "global terrorism" lies.

The reaction came after Pakistan accused India of supporting terrorist activities but refrained from directly linking it to the recent train attack in Balochistan.

What Did The MEA Say?

In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday, it was said that the claims made by Pakistan are 'baseless."

"We strongly reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan. The whole world knows where the epicentre of global terrorism lies," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"Pakistan should look inwards instead of pointing fingers and shifting the blame for its own internal problems and failures onto others," he stated.

What Did Pakistan Allege?

On Thursday, during a press briefing, Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, alleged that Pakistan had evidence that calls related to the hijacking originated in Afghanistan but reaffirmed that it was India that was trying to "destabilise its neighbouring countries."

Citing Shafqat Ali Khan, Dawn reported that there is no shift in our policy. And again, the facts have not changed. India is involved in sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan. What I was referring to was, in this particular incident, we have evidence of calls being traced to Afghanistan. This is what I said.

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Khan also claimed that Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism that is planned, operated,66br and sponsored by forces operating outside the country's borders.

"In our region, unfortunately, we have many forces against peace who do not want to see Pakistan reap the dividends of its unprecedented and sincere efforts in counter-terrorism and in building a peaceful region," he stated.

Afghanistan's Response To Pakistan

Meanwhile, Afghanistan also rejected Pakistan's claim and said the country needs to focus on "resolving its own security and internal problems."

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "We categorically reject baseless allegations by the Pakistani army spokesperson linking the attack on a passenger train in Balochistan province with Afghanistan and urge the Pakistani side to focus on resolving their own security and internal problems instead of such irresponsible remarks," he said.

Read More | Taliban Refutes Afghanistan Link To Pakistan Train Hijack, Says 'We Categorically Reject....'

About The Jaffar Express Hijack

The Jaffar Express, carrying 440 passengers in nine coaches, was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar when militants derailed it using explosives and hijacked it on March 11 in a tunnel near the hilly areas of Gudalar and Piru Kunri, 160 km from Quetta. 21 civilians and four soldiers were killed in a militant attack that took place.

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The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday. All 33 militants of the Baloch Liberation Army were also killed in this operation.

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