Train hijack shocks Pakistan, China says 'ready' to strengthen security in Balochistan

China on Wednesday condemned the hijacking of a passenger train in Pakistan and extended support to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in the country. “We noted the reports and strongly condemn this terrorist attack,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a media briefing when asked about the hijacking by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

Mao noted that Beijing firmly opposes terrorism in any form. “We will continue to firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people," Mao said. “China stands ready to strengthen counterterrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan and jointly keep the region peaceful, secure and stable,” she added.

The Jaffar Express was carrying around 400 passengers in nine coaches and was heading from Quetta to Peshawar when militants derailed it using explosives and hijacked it. Pakistani security forces eventually rescued 190 passengers, killing 30 militants as they continued to battle insurgents for a second day on Wednesday.

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CPEC remains a concern

The hijacking of the train is now seen as the biggest attack carried out by Baloch militants in the country and is viewed as a serious concern for Beijing. China has been apprehensive about the terrorist attacks in Pakistan and has often raised concerns about the safety of hundreds of Chinese personnel working on the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Apart from fighting for the independence of Balochistan, the BLA has carried out several attacks on Chinese workers in the region. BLA has often opposed the CPEC project, which connects Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang province. They have raised concerns about the exploitation of the rich natural resources of Balochistan by Pakistan and China.

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Amid this tussle, last month, China and Pakistan agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and security cooperation to deal with the recurring militant attacks against Chinese personnel working on the CPEC projects. The deal was sealed during Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zarbari's visit to Beijing.

At that time, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who accompanied Zardari, held talks with his Chinese counterpart Qi Yanjun on dealing with the BLA as well as hardline Islamic militant groups which were opposed to the CPEC.

China has been asking Pakistan to allow its armed forces to provide security to them. However, Pakistani leadership has been hesitant in this regard due to the fear of facing backlash at home.

With inputs from PTI.