Pakistan Army’s Embarrassment: ISPR Takes Journalists on Jaffar Express Junket After Bolan Attack Cover-up

Islamabad, March 15, 2025: In a carefully orchestrated move, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, has sponsored a group of selected journalists on a junket tour of the Jaffar Express—the train that was ambushed by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants in Bolan. The visit, aimed at controlling the narrative, comes after Pakistan’s military initially imposed a media blackout on the attack.

The decision to allow limited reportage on the incident was made only after ISPR released an official handout, carefully crafted to downplay the embarrassment suffered by the Pakistan Army and security forces during the attack.

BLA’s Attack on Jaffar Express: A Security Disaster for Pakistan Army

On March 10, 2025, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched a brazen attack on the Jaffar Express as it traveled through the mountainous region of Bolan. The attack resulted in:

• Heavy casualties among security personnel assigned to guard the train.
• Destruction of railway tracks and military assets.
• Several passengers and railway employees caught in the crossfire.

Despite the severity of the attack, the Pakistan military imposed a complete media blackout, preventing local and international journalists from reporting on the incident. Social media accounts covering the attack were reportedly suspended, and local news channels were warned against broadcasting any coverage.

ISPR’s Media Manipulation: Junket Tour to ‘Sanitize’ Narrative

After facing mounting criticism for suppressing the news, the ISPR arranged a controlled media visit to the Jaffar Express and the Bolan attack site.

• Only pre-selected, pro-establishment journalists were invited, ensuring coverage that aligns with Pakistan Army’s official stance.
• No independent media or foreign correspondents were allowed, raising concerns about transparency.
• The trip focused on showcasing “normalcy” rather than the actual impact of the BLA attack.

A senior Pakistani journalist, who requested anonymity, stated, “We were not allowed to ask tough questions. The ISPR controlled the entire visit, from what we could film to whom we could interview. It was a propaganda exercise, not real journalism.”

Media Blackout and ISPR’s Censorship Strategy

The initial ban on media coverage of the attack followed a pattern of censorship by the Pakistan Army whenever it suffers major setbacks. Similar tactics were employed:

• Selective release of information via ISPR handouts.
• Banning independent reports that contradict the military’s narrative.
• Targeting and threatening journalists who attempt to report on military failures.

This heavy-handed approach has eroded trust in Pakistan’s mainstream media, with many citizens now relying on foreign media and independent online platforms for uncensored news.

Balochistan’s Ongoing Struggle: A Nightmare for the Pakistan Army

The attack on Jaffar Express is part of a larger Baloch insurgency against Pakistan’s military rule. The BLA and other Baloch resistance groups have intensified their operations, targeting:

• Pakistani military convoys and checkpoints.
• Strategic infrastructure, including railways and gas pipelines.
• Chinese projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Despite repeated claims of “crushing the insurgency,” the Pakistan Army continues to suffer losses in Balochistan, a region that remains a hotbed of resistance against Pakistani rule.

Conclusion

The Jaffar Express junket is yet another attempt by ISPR to cover up Pakistan Army’s failures in Balochistan. While the military tries to control the media narrative, the ground reality tells a different story—one of growing resistance, increasing attacks, and a Pakistan Army struggling to maintain its grip on Balochistan.

As independent media and digital platforms continue to expose military failures, the ISPR’s censorship tactics may delay the truth—but not suppress it forever.