Political leaders condemn Wagah blast

The president, prime minister and other prominent figures from all political parties Sunday strongly condemned the explosion near the Wagah Border that left at least 55 dead and scores injured.

Expressing grief over the loss of precious human lives, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the blast and called for a report over the incident.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has also strongly condemned the incident. “Shocked & saddened by suicide attack near Wagah border killing over 50 innocent people including women & children. Strongly condemn this act of terror,” Khan tweeted.

Maryam Nawaz condemned the attack and took to Twitter to say, “PML-N ministers on duty on the spot & at the hospitals. Ministers are there to serve and this is their prime duty. Wahga border blast is perhaps the biggest hit-back ever since the operation started. Insha’Allah this will end and Pak will see peace.”

Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali called the incident a “national tragedy”. “There is a conspiracy to try and weaken the country. The whole nation at this moment is in mourning over the tragedy,” the minister said.

“It is very painful that such a large number of people have died or been injured. We have been saying for ages that the entire nation needs to openly stand against terrorism,” said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Information Secretary Qamar Zaman Kaira.

“The Pakistan Rangers young men have not even been spared. We have been saying for a while that explosives are present in Lahore but the leaders were in denial and insisted that all is well in Lahore,” he added.

“Shahbaz Sharif should check internally who in his government is supporting such elements. This extremist mindset is present in all cities and provinces,” Kaira said.

“My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. May Allah grant them patience and protect all our fellow citizens. #Lahore,” Faryal Talpur tweeted.

Moreover, PTI senior leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi called it “a tragic incident”. “Innocent people have been killed. [It is a] tragedy that intelligence was shared with Punjab government that such incidents could take place [and action was not taken]. There is a sense of insecurity in the country. I condemn this atrocity and offer my condolences to the victims. Terrorists do not distinguish between anyone. The country needs to be united in tackling this issue,” said Qureshi.

National Assembly opposition leader Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah also condemned the Wagah border blast saying that the nation should unite to root out terrorism as the country was facing serious security threats for the last one and a half decade.

“No words can describe the pain I am feeling after watching Wahga border blast. Extremely sad and condemnable,” Sheikh Rashid tweeted while Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain also expressed grief over the deaths.