Thirteen years ago, on 18 February, the Delhi-Lahore Samjhauta Express train blasts resulted in the death of 68 passengers, including more than 40 Pakistani nationals.

Pakistan foreign office stated “victims of Samjhauta Express terrorist attack continue to await justice.”

The foreign office further stated “the inordinate delay in justice for the victims of this tragedy, despite the availability of evidence, illustrates the unwillingness of the Indian government to hold the perpetrators to account for their barbaric action.”

Pakistan Foreign office also condemned the acquittal of the self-confessed mastermind of the attack, Swami Aseemanand, and some other accused.

“As long as I am railways minister, Samjhauta Express can’t operate” Sheikh Rasheed

“Only reconfirms the culture of impunity that the perpetrators of terrorist attacks enjoy under the RSS/BJP-led, Hindutva-driven, political dispensation in India,” the Statement said

“While expressing solidarity with the families of the victims, Pakistan reminds the Indian government of its responsibility to take serious and credible steps to bring the perpetrators of the Samjhauta Express blasts to justice at the earliest and without further delay,” Pakistan foreign office stated.

On august last year, Government of Pakistan has announced to shut down Samjhauta express owing to development in which India abolished Article 370 which gave the special status to Indian occupied Kashmir.

Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has announced the closure of the Samjhauta Express and said that India has been asked to take back its train along with passengers.

“As long as I am railways minister, Samjhauta Express can’t operate” Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed stated categorically.

Sheikh Rasheed said the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi decision to annexation the Kashmir is highly imprudent and such decisions change the course of history.

Pakistan want peace but we are also aware from the atrocities which India is doing on Kashmiris. India had burned people alive even in the past and if war starts between the two countries, it will be the last war on Kashmir issue.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Pakistan has more rights on Kashmir as Pakistanis and Kashmiris share same religion, culture, civilization and values. Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said the hearts of Kashmiris and Pakistanis beat in unison. The Minister said India has violated the UN resolutions, Shimla agreement and other international conventions by revoking the independent status of occupied Kashmir.

The Samjhauta Express, comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. The train was started on 22 July 1976 following the Shimla Agreement and ran between Amritsar and Lahore, two days (Thursday and Monday) a week.