Mastermind of Jaffar Express Hijacking Gul Rahman Killed in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: The alleged mastermind of the Jaffar Express hijacking, Gul Rahman alias Ustad Mureed, has been killed under mysterious circumstances in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, according to reports emerging on September 17, 2025. His death has once again reinforced Pakistan’s claim that terrorist groups maintain safe havens across the Afghan border. Rahman, a senior commander and trainer for the Majeed Brigade — the suicide squad of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) — was responsible for planning the March 11 hijacking of the passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. Pakistan Links Terror to Cross-Border Nexus Pakistani officials have long accused India of backing BLA-linked groups, branding them as “Fitna al-Hindustan.” Security sources claim Rahman’s killing demonstrates the transnational network of militants operating with external support against Pakistan. Rahman was a known operational commander of the Majeed Brigade, which has been designated a terrorist organisation by the United States. He had been involved in multiple high-profile attacks targeting Pakistani security forces, Chinese nationals, civilians, and critical infrastructure. Past Attacks by Majeed Brigade The BLA’s Majeed Brigade has claimed responsibility for: The Jaffar Express hijacking in March 2025 The Chinese Consulate attack in Karachi The Pearl Continental Hotel attack in Gwadar The Khuzdar school bus bombing The Karachi Confucius Institute suicide blast The Pakistan Stock Exchange attack The Quetta Railway Station bombing Pakistan and China have jointly urged the United Nations to add the BLA and its factions to the global terrorism watch list. Jaffar Express Hijacking & Rescue Operation The March 11 hijacking involved around 380 passengers aboard the Jaffar Express. Militants detonated explosives on the tracks and opened fire, forcing the train to halt in the mountainous Sibi district of Balochistan. From March 11 to 12, security forces launched Operation Green Bolan, which successfully rescued 354 hostages and neutralized 33 BLA terrorists. A senior Pakistani official, reacting to Rahman’s reported death, said: “The killing of this terrorist is further proof that Afghan soil continues to be used for launching terrorism against Pakistan.”