Islamabad: Pakistan says the terrorist attack on Jaffar Express near Sibi in Balochistan was orchestrated and directed by terrorists’ leaders operating from abroad.

According to Radio Pakistan, during his weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that security forces successfully eliminated all thirty-three terrorists, including suicide bombers, while rescuing hostages. He emphasized that the terrorists were in direct communication with Afghanistan-based planners throughout the incident.

The Spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan has repeatedly asked the interim Afghan government to deny the use of its soil for terrorist groups like BLA to attack Pakistan. He urged Afghanistan to hold accountable the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this act of terrorism and to cooperate with Pakistan in bringing all those involved, including the real sponsors of terrorism, to justice.

Shafqat Ali Khan noted that Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism that is planned and sponsored by detractors operating outside its borders. He pointed out that there are many detractors of peace in the region who do not want Pakistan to benefit from its efforts in counter-terrorism and peace-building.

In response to a question about Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent statement regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Spokesperson described the remarks as unwarranted. He asserted that these comments cannot divert international attention from the human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reflect an expansionist mindset that poses a threat to regional stability.

The Spokesperson advised Indian leaders to focus on granting fundamental rights and freedom to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, especially their right to self-determination, rather than expressing concerns about Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Turning to Palestine, Shafqat Ali Khan condemned Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid and the halting of electricity supply to Gaza, calling it part of a campaign to weaponize aid and dehumanize Palestinians. He also condemned the ongoing Israeli assault on West Bank and Gaza, which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives, including women and children.