World cries over Army Public School Peshawar massacre
By Matiullah Khan
Islamabad: Government of Pakistan is receiving condolence messages from all over the world over massacre of over 130 children by Pakistani Taliban in Army Public School Peshawar on Tuesday.
According to Foreign Office of Pakistan, United Nations, European Union, United States, Iran, Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, China and Canada have condoled with Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif in their messages received till mid night of Tuesday.
Strongest condemnation came from neighboring India and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while condemning the senseless act of terrorism in Peshawar said:
“It is a senseless act of unspeakable brutality that has claimed lives of the most innocent of human beings – young children in their school.”
He also expressed his feelings on his Twitter account as:
“My heart goes out to everyone who lost their loved ones today. We share their pain & offer our deepest condolences.“
President of India Pranab Mukherjee in a message said:
“Such heinous acts are against all tenets of humanity. They are nothing but a manifestation of the extreme evil that terrorists are capable of. The world community must unite and redouble efforts to root out terrors from every country and society.”
Indian Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh issued a statement to express his condolence to the families and said:
“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack on a school at Peshawar (Pakistan). This dastardly and inhuman attack exposes the real face of terrorism. My heart goes out to the families of those children who were killed by the terrorists in Peshawar.”
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin tweeted:
“We condemn the horrific attack on innocent school children in Peshawar. “Our hearts go out to the grief stricken families of the innocent children killed & injured in this barbaric attack in Peshawar. Feeling of deep revulsion & horror about this terror attack against innocent children.”
The President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack and said “The killing of innocent children is contrary to Islam.”
Bangladesh that was celebrating its Independence from Pakistan today also condoled with Pakistan. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a statement said:
“People across the world are stunned and shocked by this barbaric and heinous massacre.”
President Barack Obama in a statement said “The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s horrific attack”.
Secretary-General of United Nations Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack saying “An act of horror and rank cowardice to attack defenseless children while they learn. No cause can justify such brutality. No grievance can excuse such horror. Getting an education is every child’s right. Going to school should not have to be an act of bravery.”
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in a press conference said:
“He was sickened to learn militants had gunned down more than 120 people. Canada unequivocally condemns this heinous act.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman of China Qin Gang in a statement said:
“We are deeply shocked and grieved by the attack and condemn in the strongest terms the terrorists. China will continue to firmly support the unremitting Pakistani efforts to fight terrorism, safeguard national stability and save people’s lives.”
President of France Francois Hollande in a statement condemned the attack saying “No words can express the ignominy of such an attack against children in their school and that France supported the government of Pakistan in their fight against terrorism” and expressed solidarity with the victims and their parents.”
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a statement condemned the attack says “We mourn with the people of Pakistan, the victims of this bloody terrorist attack. Our heart goes out to the families of the victims”.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman of Iran Marziyeh Afkham in a press conference said:
“This is a totally un-Islamic and inhumane action,” adding that terrorism, extremism and putting innocent people’s lives at risk in any form and with any purpose are reprehensible. Afkham further said cooperation among the regional countries and the world community is necessary in order to fight terrorism and extremism.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi condemned the attack on his Twitter account, saying “Killing children at school is an inconceivable horror, the world must react to this violence.”
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemned the attack. “Horrified to learn of the Peshawar terrorist attack. Targeting of children is most cowardice. Our thoughts & prayers are with Pakistan.” Rajapaksa said on his Twitter account.
British Prime Minister David Cameron condemned the attack and expressed deep shock at the tragedy. “The news from Pakistan is deeply shocking. It’s horrifying that children are being killed simply for going to school.” Cameron said on his Twitter account.
