United Nations, Pakistan has stated that it possesses credible evidence establishing that the attack on the Jaffer Express passenger train — in which at least 30 innocent Pakistani nationals were killed and dozens taken hostage — was externally sponsored by its regional adversaries.
Delivering a national statement at the launch of the “Victims of Terrorism Association Network” at the United Nations, Jawad Ajmal, Counsellor at the Pakistan Mission, emphasized that the international community has a responsibility to support survivors of brutal terrorist attacks and the families of victims whose lives are permanently altered by such tragedies.
Underscoring the need for collective action to prevent future attacks, Jawad Ajmal called for holding terrorists and their handlers accountable and for adopting a uniform, victim-centric approach — without selectivity — in addressing the challenges faced by conflict zones.
“If we are to chart a way forward for victims, we must look beyond narrow political interests and geopolitical agendas. We must examine why, despite global strategies, terrorism threats continue to proliferate and give rise to an ever-increasing number of victims,” he stated.
Pakistan unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including right-wing extremism, Islamophobia, racially and ethnically motivated terrorism, and, above all, state-sponsored terrorism.
The Pakistani delegate stressed that the world must address the root causes of terrorism and the conditions conducive to its spread. He further emphasized the importance of distinguishing terrorism from legitimate struggles for self-determination.
Highlighting the need to address state-sponsored terrorism, he underscored the necessity of reaching a consensual definition of terrorism that reflects emerging trends. He added that challenges arising from the use of new tools — such as social media and the dark web — to deepen divisions and incite violence must also be combated.
Jawad Ajmal further called for efforts to counter disinformation campaigns designed to spread hate speech, xenophobia, and Islamophobia.
He emphasized that the international community owes a moral and legal obligation to victims of terrorism to take effective, impartial steps to suppress terrorism wherever it exists and in whatever form.
“The more terrorism there is, the more victims there will be,” he stressed.
Commenting on the recent attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistani Counsellor said that we are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in this attack. He said that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
Pakistan, he noted, joined fellow UN Security Council members in condemning the attack.
Jawad Ajmal further noted that Pakistan has been one of the worst victims of terrorism for over two decades. With the loss of more than 80,000 lives and thousands more injured, Pakistan remains inspired by the resilience and strength of its nation.
“We pay tribute to the families of the martyrs from our law enforcement agencies and armed forces, who have made countless sacrifices to defend our motherland,” he added.
