German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday condemned suicide attack on a political rally in Mastung that claimed the lives of 128 people and injured more than 150 others.
In a telegram sent to caretaker Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk, the chancellor conveyed Germany’s heartfelt condolences for the families of the victims and those wounded in the blast. “I am deeply shocked by the news of the terrible terrorist attack on an election campaign event in the province of Balochistan. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack that has claimed so many lives. 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.
Furthermore, the German foreign office called the attack “an attack on the elections and the democratic process in Pakistan.” “We condemn the cowardly terrorist attacks on election campaigns in the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the strongest terms. Our sympathy goes to the relatives of the victims. We wish the injured people quick and complete recovery. The inhumane attack was an attack on the elections and the democratic process in Pakistan,” the statement read. “Terrorism 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,” it added.
In a statement issued from Washington, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said these attacks are cowardly attempts to deprive people of their democratic rights. “Washington will continue to stand with the people of Pakistan in their fight against terrorism,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned suicide attacks in Mastung and Bannu. Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Kingdom’s stance and solidarity with Pakistan against terrorism and extremism.
“Japan expresses its condolences to the victims and the bereaved families,” Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said on Saturday. Japan also prays for those injured in the blasts for their earliest recovery, he added.
“No act of terrorism can be justified for whatever reason or purpose. Japan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expresses solidarity to the government of Pakistan and their people and supports efforts by the government of Pakistan to combat terrorism. Japan also 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 said.
“I strongly condemn the attack on election rallies in Mastung and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. I am deeply grieved to hear about the loss of so many precious lives. Australia stands with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and protect democracy by holding free and fair elections,” a press release quoted the Australian high commissioner in Islamabad as saying. The high commissioner also extended profound condolences to families of all victims.
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen also condemned the Mastung bomb blast. He expressed deep grief and sorrow with the families of the victims. agencies
The Mastung attack was the most lethal since Taliban militants assaulted Peshawar’s Army Public School in 2014, killing over 150 people including children, and one of the deadliest in the country’s long struggle against terrorism. 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.
Published in Daily Times, July 15th 2018.
