Worldwide condemnation on Jaffar Express incident keeps pouring in

The United Nations (UN), European Union and several countries – including China, the US, Germany, Russia, the UK, Turkiye, Norway and Iran – condemned the Jaffar Express incident.

The United Nations also condemned the incident.  “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,” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told a press briefing.

“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 US-Specially Designated Global Terrorist group,” the US Embassy in Islamabad posted on X.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific act. 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.”

China denounced the attack 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 to a question regarding a terrorist attack on the train.

She said that China firmly opposes terrorism in any form. She 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 maintained.

German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas also strongly condemned the incident and extended his solidarity.

“The use of violence for political purposes by anyone is unacceptable, even more so when innocent civilians are targeted,” Grannas said in a post on X today.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei condemned the “terrorist act” and expressed deep concern over the endangerment of innocent civilians.

In a statement, Baghaei recalled Iran’s “principled stance […] in condemning all forms and manifestations of terrorism and violent extremism”.

He added that Iran was ready to “provide any assistance necessary to bring an end to this terrorist incident”.

The Iranian embassy in Islamabad denounced the assault, stating that the violent measures against civilians and disturbing vital transportation system is a cowardly crime against humanity.

According to Norwegian embassy spokesperson, Norway strongly condemned the deadly attack and expressed sympathy with the victims.  

The spokesperson said: “Many innocent lives were lost, including women and children. Many people were injured in the incident. Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with the victims and their families.”  

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the train terrorism on social media.

David Lammy said: “We condemn the terrorist attack in Balochistan. Our thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones

EU Ambassador Riina Kionka 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.