Pakistan reiterates resolve to combat terrorism, calls for global support to victims

ISLAMABAD, Aug 21 (APP): Pakistan on Friday reiterated its unwavering resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, saying the country had rendered unprecedented sacrifices in blood and treasure in the fight against the global menace.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office on the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, Pakistan said more than 90,000 Pakistanis had lost their lives while the country had suffered economic losses exceeding US$150 billion in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

“Pakistan joins nations across the world in observing the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism,” the statement said, adding that the day provided an opportunity not only to commemorate the victims but also to reflect on the sacrifices of their families and renew the resolve for continued vigilance against terrorism.

The statement added that terrorism had become increasingly multi-faceted, with terrorists using emerging technologies and cyberspace to expand their outreach and facilitate increasingly sophisticated and lethal attacks.

It said Pakistan was also a victim of disinformation and misinformation campaigns, hydro-terrorism and extraterritorial assassination campaigns.

“2025 has been among the deadliest Pakistan has faced over a decade,” the statement said, adding that the rising toll reflected a pattern of violence planned, financed and directed from sanctuaries across the border, often with the alleged support of hostile elements from neighboring countries.

It said the attacks targeted worshippers, children, women and security personnel without distinction.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan remained unflinching in its resolve, and unwavering in its commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the statement added.

On the occasion, Pakistan also paid tribute to and expressed solidarity with the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who continued to face systemic state repression, including draconian laws, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention.

The Foreign Office said the people of IIOJK remained resolute in their demand for their UN-mandated right to self-determination despite decades of coercion and alleged violations of their fundamental human rights.

The statement also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, saying that despite ceasefire and diplomatic efforts that had created some space for humanitarian relief, Palestinians, particularly children, women and elderly people, continued to suffer severe human rights violations and denial of their fundamental right to self-determination.

“Foreign occupation, unresolved conflicts and denial of the right to self-determination are exploited by extremists and terrorists,” it said, stressing the need for urgent redressal of such issues.

Pakistan also called upon the international community to support victims and survivors of terrorism across the globe without discrimination.

It also urged enhanced international cooperation and dialogue based on objectivity, impartiality, consistency and equity, without double standards, to help ensure a more peaceful world for future generations.