Pakistan has expressed concern over prolonged delays in justice following the terrorist attack on the Samjhauta Express, which killed 68 people 19 years ago, and reiterated calls for accountability of those responsible.
The statement came from the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 19th anniversary of the attack that targeted the Lahore bound train travelling through Indian territory on 18 February 2007. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 68 innocent passengers, including 44 Pakistani citizens.
The government of Pakistan expressed deep disappointment over what it described as a 19-year delay in delivering justice for the victims’ families, criticizing the response of the government of India.
Officials said the prolonged legal process and the acquittal of alleged suspects in the case have raised serious concerns. Pakistan condemned the decision and called for a fair, transparent judicial process to ensure accountability of all those involved in the attack.
The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that rising extremism and ideological radicalization continue to pose threats to regional peace and stability. He added that terrorist violence should not be politicized and rejected what was described as anti-Pakistan propaganda in terrorism related narratives.
Pakistan urged that the perpetrators and facilitators of the attack be brought to justice and called for credible legal proceedings to provide closure and relief to the affected families.
The attack on the Samjhauta Express remains one of the region’s most widely discussed cross border terrorism incidents, symbolizing the persistent political and security tensions between the two neighbors.
