UN, China, Iran denounce terrorist attack on train in Balochistan

The United Nations has condemned the terrorist attack in Balochistan on a Quetta-Peshawar passenger train on Tuesday in which armed militants took hundreds of passengers hostage, including women and children, and called for their immediate release, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wedneday.

“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.”

Security forces are conducting a rescue operation for passengers taken hostage and a number of them have already been freed. The operation would continue till the aggressors were eliminated, the reports said.

China strongly condemns terrorist attack

China on Wednesday strongly condemned terrorist attack on Jaffar express in Balochistan province and vowed to continue its firm support to Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and 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 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.
During the ongoing operation to rescue hostages, Pakistan’s security forces have so far freed over 150 passengers including women and children.

Iran condemns terrorist attack on train
 
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei has strongly condemned the hostage-taking incident involving a passenger train in Balochistan, expressing deep concern over the endangerment of innocent civilians.

In an official statement, Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s principled stance against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism. He extended solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan during this difficult time.

Furthermore, he reiterated Iran’s readiness to provide any necessary assistance to help end the terrorist act and ensure the safety of those affected.

Meanwhile, Iranian embassy in Islamabad has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a passenger train in Balochistan, where innocent civilians including women, children, and the elderly were taken hostage.

The embassy denounced the assault as a ‘cowardly crime against humanity’ emphasizing that targeting civilians and disrupting vital transportation infrastructure constitutes a grave violation of human rights and international norms.