World leaders sympathise with Pakistan over terror attacks

-US, Japan, Germany, China and Saudi Arabia express solidarity with Pakistan over recent terror attacks 

ISLAMABAD: Several countries have come forward to condemn the brutal attacks in Mastung, Balochistan in which at least 154 people have so far been martyred.

The United States (US) while strongly condemning the attacks on political candidates and their supporters in Pakistan, termed them as “cowardly attempts” to deprive the Pakistani people of their democratic rights.

“These attacks are cowardly attempts to deprive the Pakistani people of their democratic rights,” State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

“We grieve with those mourning the victims and hope for a rapid recovery of those injured. We will continue to stand with the people of Pakistan and the broader South Asia region in their fight against terrorism,” she added.

Furthermore, Japan also condemned the July 13 attacks.

“Japan expresses its condolences to the victims and the bereaved families. Japan also prays those injured for their earliest recovery,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

“Japan expresses solidarity to the Government of Pakistan and their people and supports efforts by the Government of Pakistan to combat terrorism. Japan also strongly hopes that the general election to be held this month will be implemented freely, fairly and peacefully without giving in to such heinous attacks,” he stated.

Moreover, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday condemned the suicide attack while assuring Pakistan that Germany stands with the country in its fight against terrorism.

In a telegram sent to caretaker prime minister Nasir-ul-Mulk, the chancellor conveyed Germany’s heartfelt condolences towards the victims’ families and those wounded.

“I was deeply shocked by the news of the terrible terrorist attack on an election campaign event in the province of Baluchistan. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack that has claimed so many victims. Be assured that Germany stands by your side in the fight against terrorism. Please convey our heartfelt condolences and our wishes for recovery to the relatives of the victims and the injured,” the message read.

“This terror must not reach this goal. We call on political actors in Pakistan to do their utmost to ensure the peaceful, fair and transparent conduct of elections.”

Similarly, Deputy Chief of Mission Chinese Embassy at Pakistan, Lijian Zhao has strongly condemned the Mastung attack, adding that the attack is as brutal as the one on Peshawar’s Army Public School (APS) in 2014.

He further said that China will stand firmly with Pakistan in its unremitting efforts to fight against terrorism and safeguard the stability of Pakistan and security of its people.

Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) candidate Siraj Raisani was among those martyred in the suicide blast that ripped through the election rally when he took the stage.

“The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Mastung area in the troubled Balochistan province that left 128 people dead,” police officials said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia had strongly condemned the suicide bombing that took place at a meeting of the Awami National Party (ANP) in Peshawar.