Speaking on a private TV program "On the Front", the DG ISPR said that 21 civilians had already been martyred before the operation started. The rescue mission concluded with the safe recovery of all passengers, though four FC personnel also embraced martyrdom.
The final clearance operation was carried out with extreme caution and professionalism, ensuring no harm came to the hostages, he said and added that the terrorists had divided the passengers into three groups, and the rescue was executed step by step.
He revealed that personnel from the Pakistan Army, Air Force, FC, and SSG conducted the operation. He clarified that the terrorists responsible for the Jaffar Express attack had no connection to Islam or Balochistan.
The terrorists used passengers as human shields and targeted innocent people with the support and facilitation of foreign handlers, he said.
The DG ISPR said that the attack site was remote and difficult to access. Despite these challenges, security forces successfully rescued women and children, he added.
He also pointed out that as soon as the incident occurred, Indian media broadcasted old videos, exposing the link between terrorists and their supporters.
He acknowledged the ongoing sacrifices of security personnel, and emphasized that soldiers continue to embrace martyrdom daily in the line of duty.
On Tuesday, terrorists blew up railway track and stopped the passenger Quetta-Peshawar train. They took more than 440 passengers hostage.
Reuters quoted a senior police officer as saying that the terrorists have claimed they are holding 214 people. "The affected train is still on the spot and the armed men are holding up passengers," he added.
"Security forces launched a massive operation," he said, adding that helicopters and special forces had been deployed.
The train was trapped in a tunnel and the driver was killed after suffering serious injuries, local authorities, police and railway officials said.
The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, said it blew up the track and "swiftly took control of the train".
The BLA demanded the release within 48 hours of Baloch political prisoners, activists and missing persons it said had been abducted by the military.
"BLA is prepared for a prisoner exchange," the group said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the entire nation was deeply shocked by the dastardly act of terrorist attack on Jaffar Express and saddened by the loss of innocent lives; and reiterated that such cowardly acts would not shake Pakistan’s resolve for peace.
On X account, the prime minister said that he spoke with Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti who briefed him on the latest developments in the heinous terrorist attack on Jaffar Express.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. May Allah grant them the highest ranks in Jannah and bless those injured with a swift recovery. Dozens of the terrorists have been sent to hell,” he further posted.
