Mastermind of Jaffar Express Hijacking Eliminated in Afghanistan
The key architect of the infamous Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan, Gul Rahman—also known as Ustad Mureed—has been killed under mysterious circumstances in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, according to reports from Indian media and social platforms. His death on September 17, 2025, further underscores Pakistan’s long-standing claims that terrorist groups find safe havens across the Afghan border.
Rahman, a senior figure in the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and a commander of its deadly suicide wing, the Majeed Brigade, played a central role in the March 11 hijacking of the Quetta-to-Peshawar Jaffar Express. The train, carrying nearly 380 passengers, was attacked in the rugged Sibi district, where militants detonated explosives on tunnels and tracks before opening fire. The Pakistan Army later launched Operation Green Bolan, rescuing 354 hostages and killing 33 militants in a daring counter-assault.
Pakistani officials often refer to the BLA and its allied outfits as “Fitna al-Hindustan”—pointing to India’s alleged involvement in supporting proxies to destabilize Balochistan. The United States has already designated the Majeed Brigade as a foreign terrorist organization, recognizing its extensive involvement in violence.
Gul Rahman was believed to be both a trainer and operational commander, directly linked to high-profile attacks on Pakistani security forces, Chinese nationals, and state institutions. Under his command, the BLA claimed responsibility for some of the deadliest strikes in recent years, including:
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The Jaffar Express hijacking
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The attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi
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The Pearl Continental Hotel assault in Gwadar
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The Khuzdar school bus bombing
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The Karachi Confucius Institute suicide blast
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The Pakistan Stock Exchange attack
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The Quetta Railway Station bombing
Both Pakistan and China have jointly urged the United Nations to blacklist the Majeed Brigade and hold its backers accountable. A senior Pakistani security official remarked, “The elimination of this terrorist proves yet again that Afghan soil continues to be used for cross-border terrorism against Pakistan.”
Gul Rahman’s death, while shrouded in mystery, marks a significant blow to the BLA’s operations and offers a stark reminder of the ongoing threats Pakistan faces from militant groups entrenched in the region.
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