Pakistan reacts with shock at New Zealand mosque attacks

Pakistani leaders expressed their shock and anger at deadly shooting at two mosques in New Zealand

Pakistani leadership, politicians and common people expressed their shock and anger at deadly shooting at two mosques in New Zealand, with some citing rising “Islamophobia” as being responsible.

A gunman opened fire on Friday prayers at a mosque in New Zealand killing many worshippers and wounding more than 20 during Friday prayers at two New Zealand mosques in the country’s worst ever mass shooting.

Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the “terrorist attack” on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in which at least 49 people were killed and 20 more were seriously injured. 

“Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques. This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families,” he tweeted.

“I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam and 1.3 billion Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim. This has been done deliberately to also demonize legitimate Muslim political struggles,” PM Imran added.

President Arif Alvi also tweeted and said, “Shocked and grieved to learn about the horrific massacre in Christchurch Mosque. My prayers for the victims. May their souls rest in peace. My condolences to the families. I pray they have strength to bear this loss. Hate, once unleashed is difficult to stop. Difficult times.”

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi strongly condemned the heinous mosque attacks. “My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved and their families. We are trying to ascertain whether any Pakistanis have been killed in the attack. Terrorism has no religion and a terrorist no country.”

Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal also tweeted and said, “Pakistan condemns the tragic terrorist incident in New Zealand. Our High Commission is in touch with the local authorities and trying to ascertain details.”

Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari termed the Christchurch mosques attack as a barbaric, violent act of terrorism. “Condemn in the strongest possible terms, the barbaric, violent act of terrorism at a mosque in Christchurch New Zealand. Unfortunate rise in white supremacist and Islamaphobic attacks. Thoughts and prayers with the victims and people of New Zealand,” he wrote.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Siraj-ul-Haq also condemned the attack.  “Strongly condemn the attack on mosques in New Zealand during Friday prayers. May Allah bless the departed souls and help the families of the victims. Its a terrorist attack and it explains that Muslims are target of Islamophobia and racism,” he posted on Twitter.

PML-N president and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif condemned the terrorist attack in New Zealand. “Shocked at the massacre of innocent people in a New Zealand Mosque. I express my condolences and sympathies with breaved families, government and the people of New Zealand.”