By: Kashif Zia
ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan on Monday told United Nations that it has “credible evidence” that its regional adversaries “externally sponsored” the Jaffar Express passenger train hijack and attack last month.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations called for stronger global efforts to hold perpetrators behind such incidents accountable, underscoring the need for collective action to prevent future attacks.
Speaking at the launch of the “Victims of Terrorism Association Network” (VoTAN) at by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, Jawad Ajmal, Counsellor at the Pakistan Mission, said “Pakistan possessed 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.”
Ajaml 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, the press release read.
Pakistan diplomat 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 condemns terrorism in all its forms’
Jawad Ajmal said Pakistan “unequivocally condemns 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.
‘Pakistan concerned at Pahalgam attack’
The Pakistani Counsellor expressed concere at the loss of tourists’ lives in Pahalgam attack, adding 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.
The diplomat further called on the world community and the U.N. to halt “state terrorism and criminal oppression” of the people in India-occupied Kashmir and to implement its resolutions in a bid to resolve the decades-old dispute, state-run APP reported.
Ajmal said that none of the statements and remarks can conceal the oppression that is ongoing right now or to justify the illegal actions that are taking place at the behest of this state-sponsor of terrorism.
“The international community must hold the Indian perpetrators of this state terrorism, and crimes against humanity in IIOJK to account,” he said while exercising his right of reply.
