Pakistan urges UN action over foreign-backed train attack in Balochistan
Jawad Ajmal, Counsellor at Pakistan's UN Mission, said the March attack on the Jaffer Express was supported by outside elements. PHOTO: RADIO PAKISTAN
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Pakistan has told the United Nations it possesses 'credible evidence' that a deadly hostage-taking incident aboard a passenger train in Balochistan last month was backed by external forces, urging the international community to step up efforts in holding the perpetrators accountable.
Speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network at the UN, Jawad Ajmal, Counsellor at Pakistan's UN Mission, said the March attack on the Jaffer Express was orchestrated by militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), resulting in the deaths of over 30 hostages and militants during a prolonged 36-hour standoff with security forces.
'Pakistan has credible evidence that this attack had external sponsorship from our adversaries in the region,' Ajmal said, without naming a specific country. He described the incident as a "heinous terrorist attack" and called for stronger global mechanisms to prevent such violence.
Ajmal called for a depoliticised, unified international response to terrorism and expressed concern that despite global strategies, such attacks continue to rise. 'We must look beyond narrow political interests and geopolitical agendas,' he urged, adding, 'Only by confronting the roots of terrorism can we protect future victims.'
He also highlighted Pakistan's long-standing struggle with militancy, noting that the country has lost over 80,000 lives to terrorism over the past two decades. Paying tribute to security personnel, Ajmal commended the sacrifices of law enforcement and military forces in defending the country.
The Pakistani diplomat's remarks came against the backdrop of mounting regional tensions, particularly after the killing of 26 tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir last week — an attack New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan has categorically denied involvement and condemned the violence.
Pakistan, he added, had joined the UN Security Council in condemning the recent Pahalgam attack and expressed condolences to the victims' families, reiterating its commitment to regional peace.
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