Jaffar Express Attack: A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan’s Security Priorities
Jaffar Express Attack: A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan’s Security Priorities
The tragic attack on the Jaffar Express in Bolan on March 11, 2025, has once again exposed the deep-rooted security vulnerabilities in Balochistan. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assault, which involved a train derailment, heavy gunfire, and the hostage-taking of civilians and security personnel. This incident is not just another act of terrorism—it reflects broader issues concerning governance, intelligence failures, and the shifting priorities of state institutions.
Only a day before the attack, former Home Minister Mir Zafarullah Zehri delivered a speech in the Balochistan Assembly, warning that militant groups had expanded their operational reach across the province. He cautioned that certain districts were under the de facto control of separatist elements, with insurgents moving freely and executing strategic attacks with increasing confidence. In the wake of the Jaffar Express attack, Zehri’s words appear not only prophetic but also indicative of a growing governance crisis that cannot be ignored.
A Glaring Security Breach; The attack on the Jaffar Express was executed with precision. Militants detonated explosives on the railway tracks, derailing the train before launching an armed assault. The BLA claimed to have taken over 100 hostages, while official sources place the number closer to 35. Regardless of the exact figures, the ease with which insurgents carried out the operation raises critical questions about the effectiveness of counterterrorism measures.
Incidents like these are often followed by swift condemnations and vows of action, but the fundamental issue remains: Why do such attacks continue to occur despite Pakistan’s extensive security apparatus? The answer lies in a misalignment of priorities—while security forces have the capability to counter such threats, their focus has increasingly shifted away from core security functions toward political and economic affairs.
The Military’s Expanding Role: A Strategic Miscalculation? Pakistan’s military has historically played a key role in safeguarding national security. However, in recent years, its involvement in governance and economic management has significantly increased, leading to a shift in institutional priorities. While stability in political and economic spheres is undoubtedly important, the growing role of the military in these domains has inadvertently affected its core function: ensuring national security.
The increasing preoccupation with political affairs has led to a dilution of focus on counterterrorism. Military and intelligence resources that should be dedicated to preemptively identifying and neutralizing threats are instead engaged in domestic power dynamics. This has allowed militant groups to operate with greater freedom, particularly in regions like Balochistan, where security challenges require undivided attention.
Pakistan’s Intelligence: A Need for Reorientation; Equally concerning is the performance of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies. Counterterrorism operations rely heavily on the strength of intelligence gathering, yet there appears to be a growing disconnect between emerging threats and preemptive action. A major attack of this magnitude requires meticulous planning, movement of arms, and communication—activities that should have been detected before the incident took place.
A more balanced and focused approach is needed—one that ensures intelligence operations are directed primarily at national security threats rather than internal political maneuvering. Strengthening intelligence coordination and ensuring a proactive approach to counterterrorism should be an immediate priority.
The Political Vacuum: A Government Without a Mandate; Beyond security and intelligence failures, another key factor contributing to the state’s inability to tackle the insurgency effectively is the lack of political legitimacy. The 2024 general elections, widely seen as rigged, have led to a governance crisis where the ruling leadership lacks public support. The manipulation of electoral outcomes to install an administration without genuine representation has had severe consequences for national security.
Political leaders who come to power through an artificial mandate often struggle to engage with real stakeholders—especially in conflict zones like Balochistan. Without the confidence of the people, such governments find it difficult to hold meaningful dialogues with political leaders, tribal elders, and nationalist factions who could play a role in resolving the crisis.
A Strategic Course Correction Is Essential; The Jaffar Express attack should serve as an urgent wake-up call for Pakistan’s policymakers. Security must once again become the top priority, and to achieve that, a strategic course correction is required: First, Re-Focus the Military on Security – The armed forces should concentrate on counterterrorism efforts and disengage from administrative and economic roles that can be handled by civilian institutions. Second, Strengthen Intelligence Operations– Redirect intelligence resources toward external and internal security threats rather than domestic political surveillance. Third, Address the Political Crisis– Restoring electoral integrity is crucial to ensuring that political leadership has the legitimacy to engage with all stakeholders. Fourth, Engage Balochistan Politically – Address grievances through dialogue, equitable resource distribution, and fair representation to counter separatist narratives. Fifth, Enhance Preemptive Counterterrorism Strategies – Move beyond reactionary measures and focus on intelligence-driven preemptive actions. And last but not the least, Rebuild Public Confidence– Counterinsurgency is most effective when the local population trusts state institutions.
The future of Pakistan’s stability depends on the choices made today. The attack on Jaffar Express is not just an isolated incident—it is a signal that demands serious introspection and action. If governance remains in the hands of a leadership that lacks public trust, if security institutions continue to prioritize political influence over counterterrorism, and if the grievances of Balochistan remain unaddressed, the state risks further instability. The question now is whether Pakistan will take this opportunity for reform—or continue on a path that deepens the crisis.
