ISLAMABAD: The international community has strongly condemned the brutal terrorist attack on a passenger train in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, where armed terrorists hijacked the Peshawar-bound train, taking passengers hostage before being killed by Pakistan’s security forces in a complex counter-terrorism operation.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed profound sorrow over the attack and reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering resolve against terrorism.
“Spoke with Chief Minister (of Balochistan) Sarfaraz Bugti, who briefed me on the latest developments in the heinous terrorist attack on Jaffar Express. The entire nation is deeply shocked by this dastardly act and saddened by the loss of innocent lives – such cowardly acts will not shake Pakistan’s resolve for peace. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs,” he stated.
Spoke with Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti who briefed me on the latest developments in the heinous terrorist attack on Jaffar Express. The entire nation is deeply shocked by this dastardly act and saddened by the loss of innocent lives—such cowardly acts will not shake Pakistan’s…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 12, 2025
The United Nations (UN) also voiced strong condemnation of the attack, particularly the hostage-taking of civilians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, expressed deep concern over the incident and called for the immediate release of those held captive.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the hijacking of a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. He is deeply concerned about the persons taken hostage and calls for their immediate release,” Dujarric said.
He further emphasised that attacks against civilians are “unacceptable” and reiterated the UN’s stance against acts of terror.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with Pakistan. The ministry’s spokesperson, Esmail Baqaei, described the incident as a “heinous terrorist act” and reiterated Iran’s opposition to terrorism in all forms.
Iran condemns hostage-taking incident in #Pakistan
Iran’s spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the hostage-taking of a passenger train in Pakistan and the endangerment of the security and lives of innocent civilians. Esmail Baqaei… pic.twitter.com/eqr8mEU9YD
— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) March 11, 2025
“Iran is ready for any cooperation with the neighbouring and brotherly country of Pakistan to end this terrorist attack,” Baqaei stated. He reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to assist Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts, calling for a united front against violent extremism.
US and China express strong support for Pakistan
The United States also denounced the attack, with the US Embassy in Islamabad issuing a statement condemning the violence.
“We strongly condemn the attack on the Jaffar Express train, and the hostage-taking of passengers in Balochistan, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a US-designated Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific act,” the embassy stated.
We strongly condemn the attack on the Jaffar Express train, and the hostage-taking of passengers in Kacchi, Balochistan, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a U.S.-Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims,…
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) March 12, 2025
The US Embassy further reiterated America’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, adding, “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.”
China, Pakistan’s longstanding ally, also strongly denounced the attack. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning, addressing a press conference, stated, “China firmly opposes terrorism in any form and will continue to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.”
She emphasised the need to maintain regional stability and pledged China’s commitment to deepening counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan. “We will continue to firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people,” she added.
China strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/GcKBx5Rzr7
— Mao Ning 毛宁 (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) March 12, 2025
China also reaffirmed its willingness to provide additional support to Pakistan to enhance security measures. “China stands ready to enhance counterterrorism efforts and security cooperation with Pakistan to jointly ensure peace, security, and stability in the region,” Mao added.
Pakistan security forces’ swift response to attack
Pakistan’s security forces successfully eliminated all terrorists involved in the attack and rescued all hostages in a carefully executed clearance operation.
According to security sources, the operation, spearheaded by the Special Services Group (SSG)’s Zarar Company, was particularly challenging as terrorists used passengers, including women and children, as human shields.
A security source confirmed, “The operation led to the rescue of 346 passengers, with 168 freed last night and 178 rescued today. The security forces have eliminated between 32 and 35 terrorists during the operation.”
However, the attack resulted in the martyrdom of security personnel, with 28 Armed Forces personnel embracing martyrdom, including 27 who were held captive by the terrorists.
Additionally, 16 personnel sustained injuries, including an SSG soldier, eight Army personnel, one Frontier Corps (FC) soldier, two Railway Police officers, and four civilians.
The complex counterterrorism operation involved snipers and drone strikes to neutralise the terrorists, security officials stated.
Pakistani leadership condemns terrorism
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, hailing the bravery of the security forces in rescuing passengers. He denounced the targeting of innocent civilians, emphasising that such acts had no place in any society. “These heinous crimes are against humanity, and those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces’ courage and high morale. “The terrorists, who launched their cowardly attack during the holy month of Ramadan, have no connection to Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan,” he stated, adding that the government would intensify efforts to eliminate terrorism from the country. “The terrorists are the enemies of progress and development in Balochistan,” the prime minister said.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack, extending condolences to the families of the victims.
