UNSC condemns 'heinous and cowardly' Khuzdar school bus attack

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the recent terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, describing it as “heinous and cowardly,” and stating that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable.”

A devastating blast near Zero Point in Khuzdar targeted a school bus on Wednesday, resulting in the martyrdom of five individuals, including five students, and leaving dozens injured. The attack sparked widespread condemnation both nationwide and from the international community.

The UNSC expressed its deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and the people of Pakistan.

Read: At least three children killed, 38 injured in attack on school bus in Khuzdar

The Council affirmed that terrorism in all its forms remains “a serious threat” to global peace and international security.

In a statement, it emphasised the need to bring to justice those responsible for planning, financing, and supporting such attacks, and urged all countries to cooperate with Pakistan in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The UNSC further stated that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever, and by whomsoever committed.”

Pakistani authorities launched an investigation into the Khuzdar attack and have pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable as soon as possible.

Read: Blast kills four in Balochistan's Khuzdar

In this regard, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasised that the time has come for Pakistan to demonstrate the same firm national unity it showed in response to past Indian aggression, in order to decisively eliminate foreign-backed terrorism.

"Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will relentlessly track down and punish everyone involved in this heinous crime," the prime minister stated during an official visit to Quetta, where he reviewed the law-and-order situation following the attack.

The DG ISPR stated that the assault was carried out by militants supported by India, occurring just weeks after both countries agreed to a ceasefire aimed at ending their most serious confrontation in decades.