The United States (US) and India as well as politicians at the local level have all condemned the twin attacks in Pakistan on Friday, denouncing the involvement of terror groups.
While 33 were killed and dozens injured when a bomb hidden in a carton of vegetables ripped through a crowded marketplace in Kalaya Bazar area of lower Orakzai tribal district, security forces in Karachi foiled a terror attack targeting the Chinese consulate situated in Clifton area.
The attack in Karachi was reportedly claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Pakistan has long accused New Delhi of supporting the Baloch separatists. The two countries have a history of bitter relations and have fought two of their three wars over the disputed region of Kashmir since gaining independence from Britain in 1947.
India’s Foreign Ministry condemned the bid to attack the Chinese consulate in the Pakistani port city, saying that “there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.”
The statement from New Delhi said, “Perpetrators of this heinous attack should be brought to justice expeditiously.”
It also added that “such terrorist attacks only strengthen the resolve of the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
US Ambassador in Pakistan Paul Jones also condemned the attempted attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi. Denouncing the attack, the ambassador said that the US condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
CONDEMNATIONS FROM POLITICAL LEADERS:
Former president Asif Ali Zardari condemned the terror attacks in Karachi and Orakzai agency. The PPP co-chairman said that the planners and facilitators of these attacks should not be spared.
Zardari hailed the timely operation by the Sindh Police, praising SSP Suhai Aziz Talpur who fearlessly headed the operation. He instructed the Sindh government to pay compensation to the martyred police personnel and look after their families.
He also expressed his condolences to the families of the martyred police officials.
“We need to eliminate the nurseries of terror once for all to stop such acts of terror,” Zardari said, adding that killing innocent people is the most brutal act.
Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider paid tribute to the security forces who foiled the terror attack on the Chinese consulate.
In a statement, the AJK PM applauded police and Rangers who paid rich tributes to them. He also acclaimed those police officials who lost their lives during the operation.
PM Haider said security agencies have set an example of professionalism by foiling the attempt.
He said terrorists will be eradicated from the country and for this purpose, the political leadership will back the law enforcement agencies.
He said the base of Pak-China friendship is stable. “Enemy tried to sabotage this friendship but they had failed in their nefarious designs in the past and will be given a befitting reply in the future too,” he said.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Senator Sirajul Haq and Secretary General Liaqat Baloch also condemned both terrorist attacks.
In their reaction, the JI leadership said these were the enemy activities to sabotage the CPEC. “The enemy is playing with the lives of innocent citizens,” they said, while paying tributes to the police and Rangers for foiling the terrorist designs in the Karachi attack and said the nation was proud of its brave security men.
The JI chief prayed for those martyred in the Hungo blast and expressed his condolences with the bereaved families.
Moreover, the Concerned Citizens of Pakistan (CCP) strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi. “This nefarious attempt by enemies of the state, both internal and external, to sabotage Pakistan and China’s relationship must be dealt with utmost seriousness,” its statement said, demanding an immediate and thorough investigation.