World leaders Tuesday condemned the deadly Taliban attack at the Army Public School in Peshawar that left at least 142 people, of whom 133 were students, dead and 121 others injured.
US President Barack Obama said that by targeting students and teachers in this heinous attack, terrorists have once again shown their depravity.
“We stand with the people of Pakistan and reiterate the commitment of the United States to support the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and to promote peace and stability in the region,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House.
“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s horrific attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones,” the US president said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi branded the attack in Peshawar “a senseless act of unspeakable brutality” and said India shares rival Pakistan’s pain.
“Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack at a school in Peshawar,” Modi tweeted.
“It is a senseless act of unspeakable brutality that has claimed lives of the most innocent of human beings – young children in their school.”
“My heart goes out to everyone who lost their loved ones today. We share their pain & offer our deepest condolences.”
Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the attack, one of the bloodiest in Pakistan in recent years, exposes the “real face of terrorism”.
Decrying the “insane/coward attack” incident, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani said that he sought patience from God to the families of victims.
“Strongly condemn the insane/coward attack on a school in K.Pakhtunkhwa. I seek patience/strength from Allah(swt) to the families of victims,” he said in a message posted on twitter.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was ‘deeply shocked’ over the terrorist assault.
“The news from Pakistan is deeply shocking. It’s horrifying that children are being killed simply for going to school,” the British PM said in a message posted on twitter.
French President Francois Hollande condemned what he described as a “vile” attack at Peshawar school.
“No words can express the ignominy of such an attack against children in their school,” Hollande said in a statement.
Germany also condemned the “cruel cowardice” of the attack.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a statement he condemned the “criminal attack in the strongest terms”.
“The hostage-taking and murder of children exceeds in its cruel cowardice all that Pakistan, stricken by years of terror and violence, has known before.
“We mourn with the people of Pakistan the victims of this bloody terrorist attack. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims. For the many injured we wish speedy recoveries.”
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “It is an act of horror and rank cowardice to attack defenseless children while they learn.”
“The hearts of the world go out to the parents and families who have lost loved ones.”
“No cause can justify such brutality. No grievance can excuse such horror. Schools must be safe and secure learning spaces. Getting an education is every child’s right. Going to school should not be an act of bravery.”
A statement released by the Chinese embassy in Islamabad said that the Chinese government and people are deeply shocked and saddened by the incident and condemn the attack in the strongest terms.
“China expresses profound condolences to the families of the deceased and sincere sympathy to the injured and their families. China opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to render firm support to the government and people of Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and its unremitting efforts in maintaining national stability and safeguarding security of the people,” said the statement.
This is the most ghastly act ever heard of by me. What kind of human beings have the heart to murder small kids. Kids with innocent hearts and tender minds not even formed to completely understand wrong or right. Pakistan as a nation how do you bear this pain when even my heart in India bleeds with pain at what has happened today. Rise all and stop this. This should not happen anywhere.
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