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. It is also a moment to reflect and renew our unflinching resolve for continued vigilance and commitment in combating this global menace. 

Pakistan continues to render unprecedented sacrifices in blood and treasure in fighting terrorism, not only for our own people but the region and beyond. Over 90,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives and the country has incurred economic losses surpassing US$150 billion in the ongoing fight against terrorism. 

Terrorism is now multi-faceted with terrorists employing emerging technologies and cyberspace to enhance outreach for increasingly sophisticated and lethal attacks. Pakistan is also a victim of disinformation/ misinformation campaigns, hydro-terrorism and extra territorial assassination campaigns. 

The year 2025 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. 

Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains unflinching in its resolve, and unwavering in its commitment, to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

On this day, we also pay tribute to and reaffirm our resolute solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who continue to live under systemic staterepression, encompassing draconian laws, enforceddisappearances 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 people of Palestine, too, remain in our thoughts. Despiteceasefire and diplomatic attempts that opened space for some humanitarian relief the Palestinian people,particularly children, women and old people continue to suffer unspeakable human rights atrocities and denial of the fundamental right to self-determination. 
In this backdrop, 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. 

As we pay tribute to the victims of terrorism, we call upon the international community to support victims and survivors of terrorism across the globe without discrimination and to enhance international cooperation and dialogue objectively, impartially, consistently and equitably without double standard, to ensure a more peaceful world for our future generations. 

 Islamabad
August 21,2026