KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Pakistan has summoned the Taliban’s top official in Islamabad following a deadly train hijacking in southwestern Balochistan, accusing militants of using Afghanistan soil to coordinate the attack.
Taliban’s Chargé d’Affaires, Sardar Ahmad Shekib, was called to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, where officials lodged a formal protest, according to Pakistani media reports.
Geo News reported that Islamabad demanded an explanation over the alleged cross-border involvement in the attack.
The attack, carried out by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants, took place last week in Bolan district, Balochistan. The attackers destroyed railway tracks, hijacked the train, and held more than 440 passengers hostage.
Pakistani security forces launched a full-day operation, rescuing the hostages and killing 33 militants. However, 26 passengers were killed before the operation, including 18 soldiers from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps. Four security personnel also lost their lives during the clash.
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, claimed the attackers were in direct contact with handlers in Afghanistan during the siege. He also said that one of the militants was a former Afghan Army soldier.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban to prevent its territory from being used by militant groups.
The attack comes amid growing concerns over rising militancy in Pakistan. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 has reported an increase in terror incidents since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, with groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating freely across the border.
Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban, Pakistan continues to engage with its leadership on security matters. However, tensions are rising as Islamabad demands stricter measures to curb cross-border militancy.
