Taliban Interior Minister Absent As Officials Discuss Border Security In Kandahar

He made these remarks three days after the hostage crisis on the Jaffar Express train, during a meeting with officials in Balochistan.

According to Pakistani news network Aaj News, Sharif criticised those seeking to maintain ties with the Taliban, stating that their actions had contributed to the country’s security crisis. He said, “We are facing these challenges today because some people aligned themselves with the Taliban.”

Without naming individuals, he accused them of releasing thousands of militants from prison. Sharif also warned of “enemies disguised as friends” who, he claimed, are working against Pakistan’s interests.

He indirectly accused India, Pakistan’s eastern neighbour, of leading a negative propaganda campaign against the country. “The nation gave 80,000 lives to defeat terrorism. Our forces had crushed this menace. So why is it rising again?” he questioned.

During the meeting, held on Thursday in Quetta, political leaders, military officials, and representatives of Pakistani parties discussed the security situation.

On Tuesday, dozens of Baloch separatist militants bombed a railway track, halting the Jaffar Express train carrying over 400 passengers. The attack occurred in a remote mountainous region near the Afghanistan-Iran border. The militants took dozens of passengers hostage.

On Wednesday, the Pakistan Army announced that its snipers had eliminated suicide bombers among the attackers. Military officials reported that 33 Baloch militants were killed in the operation and that no hostages were harmed. However, the army confirmed that 21 passengers had been executed by the militants before security forces intervened.

Earlier reports from Afghanistan International, based on Pakistani security sources, indicated that intercepted communications between the attackers and their commanders suggested links to networks in Afghanistan, India, and Europe.

Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, claimed that the attack was planned and coordinated by Baloch separatists based in Afghanistan. He alleged that the attackers used satellite phones to communicate with their commanders during the incident.

Three days after the attack, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry denied any ties to the Baloch Liberation Army. In a statement, the ministry dismissed Pakistan’s claims as “baseless” and insisted that no Baloch separatists operate from Afghan territory.

The Taliban urged Pakistan to focus on addressing its internal security issues rather than making “irresponsible” allegations.

According to the ministry’s statement, Mullah Abdul Latif Mansour, the Taliban’s Minister of Energy and Water, met with Alireza Bikdeli, Iran’s acting ambassador in Kabul, to discuss water management and cooperation.

During the meeting, the Iranian envoy stated that his country is determined to assist Afghanistan in water and energy development projects. The Taliban ministry also emphasised that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing water and energy projects in Afghanistan.

Mansour welcomed increased cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly in economic and development initiatives. The officials also discussed drought and water shortages, which remain pressing concerns in the region.

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, Iran has repeatedly urged them to restore the flow of the Helmand River to Iran. The Taliban, however, insist that the reduction in water flow is due to natural drought conditions rather than any deliberate obstruction.

In January, Iran’s Foreign Ministry urged the Taliban to ensure the continued flow of water and remove any obstacles. A spokesperson for the ministry said that Iran had conveyed strong objections to the Taliban regarding water restrictions and diversions.

In a statement, the Taliban rejected allegations made by the Pakistani Army spokesperson, calling them "baseless".

On Thursday, March 13, the Taliban responded to the attack on the Jaffar Express, where dozens of passengers were taken hostage. The group stated, "We categorically reject the baseless claim made by the Pakistani Army spokesperson" regarding the Taliban's connection to the attack on the passenger train in Balochistan.

The Taliban urged Pakistan to focus on its internal security issues rather than making "irresponsible" accusations. It also stressed that no members of the Baloch separatist militia were present in Afghanistan and denied any ties with the group. The statement expressed regret over the loss of innocent lives, saying, "Sacrificing civilians for political goals is unjustifiable."

Earlier, Pakistan’s Army spokesperson, Ahmed Sharif Choudhry, claimed that the attack was planned by Baloch separatists operating from Afghanistan. He alleged that the attackers used satellite phones to communicate with their commanders during the incident.

The attack took place on Tuesday, when Baloch separatist militants targeted the Jaffar Express, a passenger train carrying over 400 people. The militants detonated explosives to stop the train, which was travelling through a mountainous region near the Afghanistan-Iran border. They then took hostages.

On Wednesday, March 12, the Pakistan Army reported that security forces had eliminated the suicide bombers and killed 33 Baloch militants during a special forces operation. The Army claimed no hostages were harmed, but confirmed that 21 passengers had already been killed before the operation began.

Earlier reports by Afghanistan International, citing Pakistani security agencies, indicated that intercepted communications suggested links between the attackers and networks in Afghanistan, India, and Europe.

The attack on the railway and hostage-taking in Balochistan has been met with international condemnation. Many countries have condemned the targeting of civilians. The Baloch Liberation Army, one of several armed separatist groups in Balochistan, has been engaged in a long-running insurgency against the Pakistani government in the mineral-rich region bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

Haalvsh released a video confirming the incident took place on Wednesday, March 12. The video showed that Iranian forces pursued a vehicle carrying Afghan migrants near the village of Shamsabad in Bampur district.

The organisation has not provided further details about the identities of those involved. Local sources said the deceased person died before an ambulance arrived. The three other migrants were transferred to a hospital for treatment.

In the video shared by Haalvsh, a person is seen lying in the trunk of a vehicle with blood flowing from them. The footage suggests the victim was around 20 years old.

One day after the incident, Iranian authorities and the Taliban have not issued any official response.

The EU delegation announced that it has trained 581 women in mental health and 41 others in infectious disease prevention. It also highlighted that strengthening Afghanistan’s healthcare system is crucial for responding to disease outbreaks effectively.

On Thursday, March 13, the EU Delegation to Afghanistan stated that it supports efforts to enhance diagnostic and treatment services for infectious diseases across the country. The office also reported that, through the World Health Organization (WHO), it has provided healthcare services to over 95,000 Afghan women. Among them, 7,700 women have received inpatient care and medical treatment.

Earlier, the EU condemned the Taliban’s systematic repression of women and girls during a UNHCR Standing Committee session. It called for the full and equal realisation of human rights and urged greater empowerment, participation, and leadership of women in society.

On March 2, the EU Delegation to Afghanistan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Afghan people. The office stated that Europe remains dedicated to assisting Afghanistan in education, healthcare, private sector development, and economic empowerment.