UN leads world in condemning train attack
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ISLAMABAD:
The United Nations led the international condemnations of the terrorist attack on a train in Balochistan, as the world capitals expressed solidarity with Islamabad in the wake of the gruesome assault on the innocent civilians.
Terrorists belonging to the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, with 450 passengers on board, while it was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, in the Bolan district on Tuesday. The security forces immediately launched the rescue operation, which continued till Wednesday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the hijacking of the Jaffar Express and has demanded immediate release of the hostages, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. The secretary-general made it clear that “attacks on civilians are unacceptable and the international community should take steps to prevent such incidents” he added.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in a post on the microblogging website of X, condemned the “terrorist attack in Balochistan”. He said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have lost their lives.” A similar message was also tweeted by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. Our deepest condolences go the people of and families of victims. As the situation is still unfolding, we express our profound concern for the hostages and call for their immediate release,” she wrote on X.
China also condemned the terrorist attack and vowed to continue Beijing’s firm support to Islamabad in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability and protecting the safety of civilians.
“We noted the reports and strongly condemn this terrorist attack,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular briefing. “We will continue to firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability and protecting the safety of civilians.”
Spokesperson Mao said that China firmly opposed terrorism in any form, adding that China stood ready to strengthen counter terrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan and jointly keep the region peaceful, secure and stable.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei strongly condemned the hostage-taking incident, expressing deep concern over the endangerment of innocent civilians. In a statement, Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s principled stance against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism.
He extended solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan during this difficult time. Furthermore, he reiterated Iran’s readiness to provide any necessary assistance to help end the terrorist act and ensure the safety of those affected.
Also, Iranian embassy in Islamabad denounced the assault as a “cowardly crime against humanity”, emphasising that targeting civilians and disrupting vital transportation infrastructure constituted a grave violation of human rights and international norms.
The US Embassy in Islamabad extended “deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific act, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a US Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
“The Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear. The United States will remain a steadfast partner of Pakistan in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens. We stand in solidarity with Pakistan during this difficult time,” the embassy said in a statement.
(WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES & NEWS DESK)
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