UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan informed the United Nations on Tuesday that it possesses “credible evidence” indicating that the recent terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express train was orchestrated with external backing from regional adversaries, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan Mission to the UN.
The attack occurred on March 11, when militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) ambushed the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express in Balochistan. The train, carrying 440 passengers, came under heavy gunfire as terrorists seized hostages. A two-day counterterrorism operation by security forces concluded on March 12, with Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirming that all 33 militants were neutralized and no hostages were harmed during the final phase of the rescue mission.
At the launch of the “Victims of Terrorism Association Network,” Pakistan’s UN Mission counsellor Jawad Ajmal called on the global community to stand with victims and survivors of terrorism, stressing the need for collective accountability and a consistent, victim-centered response to such attacks.
“To truly support victims, we must rise above narrow political and geopolitical agendas,” Ajmal said. “Despite global counterterrorism strategies, the threat continues to grow. We must ask why.”
Ajmal reiterated Pakistan’s firm opposition to all forms of terrorism, including right-wing extremism, Islamophobia, racially or ethnically driven violence, and state-sponsored terrorism.
He emphasized the importance of tackling the root causes and underlying conditions that fuel terrorism, including addressing disinformation, hate speech, xenophobia, and online incitement through platforms like social media and the dark web.
Ajmal also called for international agreement on a clear, up-to-date definition of terrorism that reflects evolving threats and distinguishes between terrorism and legitimate struggles for self-determination.
Regarding a recent deadly incident in Pahalgam, Ajmal expressed condolences to the victims and families, wishing the injured a full recovery. He noted that Pakistan, alongside other UN Security Council members, strongly condemned the attack.
He added that Pakistan, having endured more than two decades of terrorism—resulting in over 80,000 deaths and countless injuries—continues to be guided by the resilience of its people and the sacrifices of its armed forces and law enforcement personnel.
“We honor the families of our martyrs, who have given their lives to protect our nation,” he stated.
Last month, Pakistan’s Foreign Office reported that the Jaffar Express attackers maintained contact with handlers in Afghanistan throughout the assault. When questioned about whether this pointed to a shift in Pakistan’s stance—specifically, whether blame had moved from India to Afghanistan—FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan clarified that the broader position remains unchanged.
“There has been no policy shift. India continues to be involved in sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan,” Khan said. “In this particular case, we have evidence of communications traced to Afghanistan, but that doesn’t negate India’s role.”
A day later, DG ISPR Lt Gen Chaudhry reaffirmed India’s role, calling it the “main sponsor” of terrorism in Balochistan. He stated that the attackers used both Afghan and other foreign-made weapons in the Jaffar Express incident and in past attacks.
“This and other incidents clearly point to our eastern neighbor—India—as the principal backer of terrorism in Balochistan,” he said.
