KARACHI: Students, faculty members, non-teaching staff and employees of universities staged rallies on their campuses across the province on Thursday to condemn the cowardly attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan and express solidarity with the country’s armed forces.

In Karachi University, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi led a rally to voice condemnation of the terrorist outfits that carried out brutal actions against innocent citizens.

The participants lauded members of armed forces for eliminating terrorists and chanted slogans of “Long live Pakistan” and “We stand united against terrorism”.

Mr Iraqi said: “We pay tribute to all security agencies, especially Pakistan’s armed forces, for their endless sacrifices for combatting terrorism.”

He said that terrorists could not demoralise the nation with their cowardly acts. The nation needed to get united to eradicate terrorism, he said.

He said that Pakistan’s economic development was not possible without eliminating terrorism and ensuring peace and order. “Pakistan’s armed forces are combating internal and external conspiracies and terrorism to safeguard our lives,” he said.

At Sindh Madressatul Islam University, a rally

was sta­ged to voice solidarity with the armed forces, honour their bravery and sacrifices for safeguarding the country.

VC Dr Mujeeb Sahrai, who led the rally, condemned murder of soldiers and passengers in the terrorists’ attack. People must support and stand by armed forces, who carried out a successful operation to rescue the train’s passengers.

At Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University of Art, Design and Heritages, Jamshoro, a rally was organised to express solidarity with the armed forces and condemn attack on Jaffar Express.

VC Prof Dr Arabella Bhutto remarked that such incidents not only threatened national security but also disrupted peace and stability in the country. The participants expressed unwavering support for the armed forces and reaffirmed their commitment to national unity and peace.

A similar rally was held at Sukkur IBA University to condemn terrorism and express solidarity with Pakistan Army.

VC Prof Dr Asif Ahmed Shaikh condemned the attack on the train and lauded prompt action by Pakistan Army. The entire nation should stand united in this difficult time, he said.

He said the university reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its responsibility for the defense of the country.

The Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, organised a seminar to condemn attack on Jaffar Express, said a press release.

VC Dr Yousuf Khushk and other speakers at the moot reaffirmed their unwavering support for Pakistani Army and praised its professional commitment in rescuing passengers stranded by the terror incident.

They offered prayers for the departed souls and staged a demonstration to express solidarity with Pakistan Army.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2025