World backs Pakistan in anti-terror fight after Quetta bombing

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Pakistani lawyers and local media personnel carry a bed to move the body of a news cameraman after a bomb explosion at a government hospital premises in Quetta on August 8, 2016. At least 35 people were killed and dozens more wounded after a blast at a major hospital in the Pakistani city of Quetta, an AFP reporter and officials said, with fears the toll could rise. / AFP PHOTO / BANARAS KHAN

The international community provided support to Pakistan after the Quetta suicide bombing, which left more than 70 people dead and over 100 others injured on Monday.

Pakistan received messages of support from around the world after the bombing at the government hospital where some 200 people had gathered after a senior lawyer was shot earlier in the day.

The United States Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale strongly condemned the attack in Quetta on behalf of the American mission to Pakistan and extended his deepest condolences to the victims and their families during the time of grief.

“This brutal and senseless attack on civilians, so many of them lawyers working to bring justice to their country, will not undermine one of the most important pillars of Pakistan’s democracy and civil society,” Hale said in a statement issued by the US Embassy.

“The US stands with the government and people of Pakistan, and is committed to supporting them in the fight against terrorism,” he added.

The State Department also condemned the Quetta bombing. “We offer our assistance to Prime Minister [Nawaz] Sharif as his government investigates and works to bring the murderers to justice,” said US State Department Press Office Director Elizabeth Trudeau.

The United Nations chief also joined in condemning the brutal attack, terming it ‘particularly appalling’ for targeting mourners at a hospital.

The European Union also extended its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Quetta bombing.

“There is no justification for such acts of terrorism,” the EU spokesperson said, vowing to continue to stand by Pakistan.

“The EU continues to stand by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism and to support the Pakistani authorities in their efforts to maintain the rule of law,” the EU statement read.