DUSHANBE, May 14, 2015, Asia-Plus – Pakistan’s
Daily Times
reports leaders from India, UN, US and EU expressed sorrow over loss of 45 innocent lives in a terrorist attack on passenger bus in Karachi.
According to reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by the tragic incident. Expressing solidarity with people of Pakistan, he said that India firmly stands with them in this hour of grief.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has strongly condemned the attack carried out in Karachi. In a statement, Resident UN Coordinator in Pakistan Dr Jacqui Badcock said they were horrified by this act of brutality.
At least 45 members of Ismaili community were killed when gunmen opened fire on their bus in Safoora Chowk area of Karachi. It was the second deadliest militant attack in Pakistan this year after 62 people were killed in a suicide bombing in late January.
Six terrorists came on three motorcycles, entered the bus and began firing indiscriminately. They used 9mm pistols and all those killed and injured were hit by the 9mm pistols, police said.
Separately, the United States strongly condemned the attack and said it supported Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism. “We strongly condemn the attack on the bus in Karachi carrying Ismailis, which resulted in over 40 deaths, and offer our sympathies and condolences to the victims,” a State Department spokesman said.
Earlier in a statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Richard Olson condemned the terrorist attack, reiterating support to Pakistan in fighting terrorism. “The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Pakistan in their efforts to counter terrorism, and supports the right of every person to worship as they choose, without fear of intimidation, coercion or violence,” he said.
Ambassador Olson said the United States supports Pakistan’s efforts to bring all those involved to justice and stand ready to provide any appropriate assistance to authorities investigating this tragic attack.
The European Union also condemned the terrorist attack. The government must do its utmost to tackle sectarian violence and bring to justice the perpetrators of these violent and criminal acts, said the EU statement.
