Key points
- Global community has responsibility to support survivors of terrorist attacks: Pakistan
- Jawad Ajmal underscores need for collective action to prevent future attacks
- We must look beyond narrow political interests and geopolitical agendas: counsellor
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has stated that it possesses credible evidence establishing that the attack on the Jaffar 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, emphasised 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 condemns terrorism
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 emphasised 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.
Legal obligation to victims of terrorism
He emphasised 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.
Rights violations in IIOJK
In response to allegations made by an Indian delegate at the launch of “Victims of Terrorism Association Network”, Jawad Ajmal exercised his right of reply (RoR) and called India out by stating, “We have heard what one delegation has mentioned; yet they very comfortably conceal the fact that the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) deserve our special attention for their continuing sufferings as victims fighting the worst form of state terrorism, unleashed by the Indian state machinery with an occupation force of 900,000 troops.”
He said the international community must hold the Indian perpetrators of this state terrorism and crimes against humanity in IIOJ&K to account.
“Pakistan also reiterates its call on the international community, in particular, the UN Security Council, to oblige India to halt its state terrorism and criminal oppression of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to implement the UN Security Council resolutions which demand a free and fair plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir.”
None of the statements and remarks can conceal the oppression that is ongoing right now or justify the illegal actions that are taking place at the behest of this state sponsor of terrorism, Ajmal said.
