Pakistan told the United Nations on Monday that it has credible evidence to prove that the Jaffar Express hijacking was sponsored by its regional adversaries.

Jawad Ajmal, a counsellor at the Pakistan Mission, told the UN during launch of the “Victims of Terrorism Association Network” that the international community must support the families of victims of brutal terrorist attacks and survivors.

The Pakistani diplomat added that terrorists, as well as their handlers must be held accountable to bring an end to terrorism.

““If we are to chart a way forward for victims, we must look beyond narrow political interests and geopolitical agendas,” Ajmal said. He added that a uniform and victim-centric approach must be adopted to fight terrorism.

He added that Pakistan rejects terrorism in all its forms. However, he added that legitimate struggles for self-determination should not be conflated with terrorism.

Ajmal called for the need to address state-sponsored terrorism and a new definition of the phenomenon to include challenges arising from use of new tools.

He also expressed concern over the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack and extended condolences to those who were affected by the attack.

Terrorists had hijacked the Jaffar Express train carrying 440 passengers. At least 26 people were killed before the Pakistan Army completed its operation, killing all 33 terrorists involved. The banned Baloch Liberation Army had claimed responsibility for the attack.