In a statement on Tuesday evening, Esmaeil Baqaei expressed deep concern over the hostage-taking of a passenger train in Pakistan and the endangerment of the security and lives of innocent civilians.
Reiterating the principled stance of Iran in condemning all forms and manifestations of terrorism and violent extremism, the spokesperson expressed solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan.
He also voiced Iran’s readiness to provide any assistance necessary to bring an end to the terrorist incident.
Separatist fighters said they have attacked and seized a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan, taking hundreds of people hostage.
Railway sources said more than 400 passengers were on board the nine coaches of the Jaffar Express when it was attacked on Tuesday while travelling from the provincial capital of Quetta to the northern city of Peshawar.
Provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind said an emergency had been declared at a major hospital in Sibi city, 160km southeast of Quetta, after reports of “intense firing” at the train.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement that six military personnel had been killed. It added that security personnel were among those taken hostage and warned of retaliation if security forces carried out an operation.