Khawaja Asif
In a recent media interaction at the Parliament House, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif addressed the tragic attack on the Jaffar Express that took place in Balochistan’s Bolan Pass.
The incident, which occurred five days ago, involved terrorists ambushing the passenger train near Dhadar and taking several passengers hostage. The brutal attack led to a swift and extensive operation by security forces to rescue the hostages and eliminate the threat posed by the militants.
During the press conference, Khawaja Asif was questioned about the opposition’s demand for his resignation, holding him responsible for the security lapse.
Responding to the criticism, Asif stated that he was willing to step down from his position if it would help resolve the issue. “If resigning resolves the issue, I am ready to resign,” he said, adding that he had no objection to leaving his office if it would address the concerns raised by the opposition and the public.
The Jaffar Express attack has raised serious concerns about the security situation in Balochistan, a province that has long been a target of terrorist activities.
Following the attack, Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism.” Bugti assured the public that the provincial government would take strict action against the perpetrators and vowed to eliminate every terrorist involved in the heinous act.
The incident has not only sparked fear and anger among the people but has also led to a heated political debate. Opposition parties have criticized the government’s failure to ensure the safety of passengers and demanded accountability from top officials.
Khawaja Asif’s offer to resign reflects the seriousness of the situation and the government’s commitment to addressing the security challenges faced by the nation.
Meanwhile, security forces in Balochistan have intensified operations against terrorist elements in the region, aiming to prevent such incidents in the future.
The government has also pledged to enhance security measures on railway tracks and other vulnerable areas to ensure the safety of passengers and citizens.
The Jaffar Express tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups in Pakistan and the urgent need for stronger intelligence and security strategies to protect the country’s infrastructure and its people.
