By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan joined the international community on Thursday in observing the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, with the government issuing a strong statement honoring those who have lost their lives in the fight against terrorism while highlighting the country's unprecedented sacrifices and ongoing challenges.

"Pakistan joins nations across the world in observing the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism - a day set aside not only for ceremony but for honest reckoning and commemoration of the lives sacrificed to fighting terrorism and the cost paid by the victims' families," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The statement revealed that over 90,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives and the country has incurred economic losses surpassing $150 billion in the ongoing fight against terrorism. The year 2025, the ministry noted, has been among the deadliest Pakistan has faced over a decade.

"Behind this rising toll lies a familiar and grim pattern of violence planned, financed and directed from sanctuaries across the border, often supported by hostile elements from neighboring countries targeting worshippers, children, women and security personnel without distinction," the statement read.

The ministry emphasized that terrorism has now become multi-faceted, with terrorists employing emerging technologies and cyberspace to enhance outreach for increasingly sophisticated and lethal attacks. Pakistan, the statement noted, is also a victim of disinformation campaigns, hydro-terrorism, and extra-territorial assassination campaigns.

On this day of remembrance, Pakistan reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who the statement said "continue to live under systemic state repression, encompassing draconian laws, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention through a state-run campaign that meets every definition of terrorism."

"Despite decades of coercion and continuing, blatant violation of their fundamental human rights, the people of IIOJK remain resolute in their demand for a UN-mandated right to self-determination," the statement added.

The ministry also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, noting that despite ceasefire efforts and diplomatic attempts, "children, women and old people continue to suffer unspeakable human rights atrocities and denial of the fundamental right to self-determination."

Pakistan called upon the international community to support victims and survivors of terrorism globally without discrimination and to enhance international cooperation and dialogue "objectively, impartially, consistently and equitably without double standards."

"The global lessons of the past remain relevant today - foreign occupation, unresolved conflicts and denial of the right to self-determination are exploited by extremists and terrorists necessitating urgent redressal," the statement concluded