Pak accuses India of sponsoring terror, but sees no role in Balochistan train attack

Pakistan accused India of “sponsoring terrorism” on Thursday without directly implicating it in the Balochistan train attack that killed 21 passengers.

Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan at the weekly press briefing was asked several questions about the deadly attack on Tuesday, which led to a hostage situation lasting for more than 24 hours.

“Terrorists were in direct communications with Afghanistan-based planners throughout the incident,” he said, adding that Pakistan has repeatedly asked Afghanistan to deny the use of its soil for terrorist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) for their attacks against Pakistan.

“We urge Afghanistan to hold perpetrators, financiers, of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and cooperate with the government of Pakistan to bring all those who are concerned with this attack, including the real sponsors of terrorism to justice,” he said.

When asked about any change of policy because India was blamed in the past for any activity by the BLA, while this time finger was pointed towards Afghanistan, the spokesman said there was no change in the policy.

“There is no shift in our policy. And again, the facts have not changed. India is involved in sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan,” he responded.

Shehbaz visits restive province

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday visited the restive Balochistan province to review the law and order situation and to express solidarity with the people there following the Jaffar Express hijacking incident in which 21 civilians and four soldiers were killed.