The Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, firmly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express in Balutchistan, which led to the death of several passengers and security staff.
In a statement published on X, Hawkins expressed condolences to the victims and their families. “We strongly condemn the attack on the Jaffar Express in Balutchistan and the taking of passengers hostage. Our thoughts are with affected individuals and their families. Australia is with Pakistan during this difficult period,” he said.
The Australian government condemns the attack and diversion of #Jaffarexpress Train in the province of Balutchistan in Pakistan. We offer our deepest sympathies to all people affected. Australia is held with Pakistan in this difficult period. #Bolan
– Neil Hawkins (@Aushcpak) March 13, 2025
The attack took place on March 11, 2025, when terrorists targeted the Balutchistan train, causing an explosion on the railroad tracks and interrupting the Jaffar Express.
The train, which transported 440 passengers, was forced to stop. Terrorists used hostages, including women and children, as human shields during the attack, according to the security forces.
The security forces carried out a customs clearance and the 33 terrorists involved in the attack were neutralized. Unfortunately, the attack cost the life of 21 passengers and 4 members of the security staff.
The incident aroused a general conviction of various districts, including international governments and human rights organizations, while Pakistan continues to deal with security challenges in its fight against terrorism.
Hawkins reiterated Australia’s solidarity with Pakistan and expressed his hope for the rapid recovery of the injured during the attack.
In addition, the United Nations led the international convictions of the terrorist attack on a train in Balutchistan, while the world capitals expressed their solidarity with Islamabad following the horrible aggression against innocent civilians.
Terrorists belonging to the Liberation Army of Baloch (Bla) diverted the Jaffar Express, with 450 passengers on board, while it was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, in the Bolan district on Tuesday. The security forces immediately launched the rescue operation, which continued until Wednesday.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres firmly condemned the diversion of the Jaffar Express and asked for the immediate release of the hostages, said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The secretary general clearly said that “attacks on civilians are unacceptable and that the international community should take action to prevent such incidents,” he added.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy, in an article on the X microblogging website, condemned “the terrorist attack in Balutchistan”. He said, “Our thoughts go close to those who have lost their lives.” A similar message was also tweed by the British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.
The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Pakistan, Dr. Riina Kionka, also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. Our greatest condolences go the people and the families of the victims. While the situation always takes place, we express our deep concern for hostages and call their immediate release, “she wrote on X.
China also condemned the terrorist attack and promised to continue the firm support of Beijing in Islamabad in the fight against terrorism and in the maintenance of solidarity and social stability.
