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       ？ Zardari says terrorism to be eradicated from Balochistan; PM receives briefing from CM Bugti

       ？ US, China, Iran, EU, UN condemn hijacking of Jaffar Express, hostage taking

       ISLAMABAD: President Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to security forces for successfully completing the rescue operation and termed the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express a “cowardly act”, saying such acts would not shake Pakistan’s resolve for peace.

       Separately, several countries denounced the hijacking of the train by the Baloch separatists.

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       President Zardari expressed his sorrow over the martyrdom of four security personnel and 21 travellers during the rescue operation.

       He showered praise on security forces for eliminating 33 terrorists, said a handout released by the presidency’s Press Wing. He reiterated the resolve to eradicate terrorism from Balochistan.

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       In a statement, Prime Minister Sharif lauded the Pakistan Army and security forces for successfully completing the Jaffar Exp-ress operation and rescuing the hostages.

       In a post on X, the PM said he spoke to Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti who briefed him about the incident.

       The premier said the entire nation was deeply shocked by the dastardly act and saddened by the loss of innocent lives.

       “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. May Allah grant them the highest ranks in Jannah and bless those injured with a swift recovery. Dozens of the terrorists have been sent to hell,” he was quoted as stating in press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing.

       Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Islamabad said the US 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,” the embassy said in a statement, adding: “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.

       A security force personnel member stands guard near a train containing empty coffins that are dispatched to Bolan where a passenger train that was attacked by terrorists, at a railway station in Quetta, Pakistan on March 12, 2025. — Reuters/Stringer

       “We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific act,” it said, adding that Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear.

       China while condemning the terrorist attack pledged 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.

       China firmly opposes terrorism in any form,“ the spokesperson said, adding “China stands ready to strengthen counter-terrorism and security cooperation with Pak-istan and jointly keep the region peaceful, secure and stable.”

       European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka said: “We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Balochistan. Our deepest condolences go to the people of Pakistan and families of the victims.”

       The United Nations also condemned the incident and deman-ded the release of the hostages.

       During a press briefing in New York, spokesperson for UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric said that UN condemns any hostage-taking, and “we call on those who have taken people hostage to release them at once”.

       Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei while strongly condemning the hostage-taking incident expres-sed 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.

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

       With input from APP

       Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2025