Balochistan attacks: UNSC condemns ‘heinous, cowardly’ terrorists

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday condemned the “heinous and cowardly” coordinated terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. 

Pakistan has faced a renewed surge in militant violence in recent years, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) decision to end its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. 

Last week’s coordinated assaults, claimed by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), left 17 security personnel martyred and 31 civilians dead. 

Consequently, Pakistani security forces, in counter terrorism operations, eliminated 177 terrorists, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly.

In a press statement issued today by Council President James Kariuki, the members of the UNSC expressed their “deepest sympathy and condolences,” wishing a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” the statement shared by Pakistan’s permanent mission to the UN said.

The members underline the need “to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable,” bringing them to justice. They also urged all states to cooperate actively with the Pakistani government. 

 “Acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomsoever committed,” the statement said, reaffirming the need for all to combat threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, etc., have separately condemned the attacks, expressing solidarity with Pakistan.