The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express passenger train by a Baloch terrorist group, heaping praise on the security forces for their role in thwarting the attack and rescuing all hostages.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah tabled the resolution during the session, presided over by Rehana Laghari. Shah denounced the cowardly attack while lauding the timely intervention of the army. He called for the resolution to be passed unanimously to convey a unified message of national solidarity in the face of terrorism.
The resolution received widespread support across the assembly, with MPAs praising the coordinated efforts of the Balochistan government, Pakistan Army, and law enforcement agencies for their bravery and efficiency in handling the situation.
Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho condemned the use of women and children as human shields during the hijacking of the Jaffar Express, calling it a reprehensible act. She also denounced the spread of misinformation and negative campaigns on social media regarding the incident.
PPP lawmakers, including Sardar Khan Chandio and Imdad Pitafi, expressed their full support for the military's actions against the terrorists. Chandio said that Baloch culture does not tolerate attacks on women and children, underscoring the cultural and moral reprehensibility of such acts.
Muhammad Farooq of Jamaat-e-Islami described the attack as part of a broader international conspiracy, calling for the resolution of cases of enforced disappearance and the prosecution of those responsible for the Jaffar Express attack.
Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani characterised the attack as a "stab in the heart" of Pakistan. He praised the sacrifices of the security agencies in defending the country, and strongly criticised those who have made a habit of disparaging the armed forces, urging respect for the sacrifices of Pakistan's martyrs.
MQM-P member Muhammad Mazahir acknowledged the heroic actions of the Pakistan Army in the incident but criticised some people for politicising the attack. PPP MPA Taimur Talpur raised concerns about alleged external interference, particularly from India and Afghanistan, in destabilising Balochistan. He suggested that dialogue involving local elders could be key to resolving the region's issues, and also condemned the social media campaigns and anti-Pakistan media efforts attributed to India.
Leader of the Opposition Ali Khursheedi expressed his support for the resolution, commending the Pakistan Army and security agencies for their decisive actions. He urged the government to revisit the National Action Plan to strengthen efforts in preventing similar attacks in the future.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted the timing of the attack, suggesting that such incidents are orchestrated whenever Pakistan's economy shows signs of improvement.
He acknowledged the historical grievances of the people of Balochistan, saying that these were addressed by Asif Ali Zardari's Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan initiative.
Sharjeel expressed his belief that certain external forces cannot tolerate Pakistan's progress and are therefore behind the ongoing conspiracies and attacks.
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