ISLAMABAD: The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was observed globally on Wednesday.
Terrorism, driven by a range of hateful ideologies, continues to inflict pain, suffering, and death on thousands of innocent people each year. On this day, Pakistan stands with the international community to honour the lives lost and the survivors of terrorist attacks.
Pakistan profoundly understands the agony of terrorism victims worldwide. For the past two decades, the country has endured terrorism planned, supported, and sponsored from beyond its borders, resulting in over 80,000 casualties and more than US$150 billion in economic losses.
Despite these grave challenges, Pakistan has remained steadfast in its fight against terrorism. With unwavering national commitment, exceptional resilience, and significant sacrifices, Pakistan has made significant progress in countering terrorism.
On this day, it is also important to remember the victims of state terrorism, particularly in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Since the 1990s, Indian forces have been responsible for over 100,000 Kashmiri deaths, widowed more than 22,000 women, orphaned 108,000 children, and raped over 11,000 women in the region.
The international community must also recognize and support the victims of state terrorism in IIOJK. A comprehensive global approach to counter-terrorism is essential, addressing both the immediate impacts and the root causes of such violence.
