UN, US, China, EU condemn Jaffer Express attack

China vows firm support to Pakistan in combating terrorism

DNA

ISLAMABAD: UNITED NATIONS, Mar 12 (APP/DNA)::The United Nations condemned the terrorist attack in Balochistan against a Quetta-Peshawar passenger train on Tuesday in which armed militants took a number of hostages, including women and children, and called for their immediate release.

“We’ve just seen the reports; We, of course, condemn any hostage taking, and we call on those who’ve taken people hostage to release them at once,” the UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing in New York.

“But,” he added, “We’re going to keep following the situation as it evolves.”

China on Wednesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan and vowed to continue its firm support to Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity, social stability and protecting the safety of civilians.

“We noted the reports and strongly condemn this terrorist attack,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said during her regular briefing in response to a question regarding a terrorist attack on a train carrying over 450 passengers in Balochistan province.

She said that China firmly opposes terrorism in any form and added: “We will continue to firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability and protecting the safety of civilians.”

China stands ready to strengthen counter terrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan and jointly keep the region peaceful, secure and stable, she added.

The United States also condemned the terrorist attack on the train and the hostage-taking of passengers, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army — a US-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 US Embassy Islamabad said in a post on X.

“The Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear. 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,” it concluded.

During the ongoing operation to rescue hostages, Pakistan’s security forces have so far freed over 150 passengers including women and children.

Meanwhile, EU Ambassador Riina Kionka also condemned the attack in a post on social media platform X, stating, “We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Balochistan on March 11.”

She extended sympathies to the Pakistani people and the affected families, expressing deep concern for the hostages and calling for their immediate release, as the situation remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan strongly condemns the barbaric attack on the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan.

We consider the terrorists’ tactic of using civilians as human shields absolutely unacceptable and hope for the speedy release of all hostages.