The scope of the attack underscored the struggles Pakistan faces in efforts to reign in militant groups as attacks across the country surged in recent years. Accusing India and neighboring Afghanistan has been Pakistan's go-to strategy in the past.

India has strongly denied suggestions made by the Pakistan foreign office that India had a hand in the Jaffar Express attack. MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We strongly reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan.