Pakistan condemns terrorist incident in New Zealand

Pakistan condemns terrorist incident in New Zealand.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Friday said Pakistan condemns the tragic terrorist incident in New Zealand.

The spokesperson stated that Pakistan High Commission is in touch with the local authorities to ascertain details.

He took to Twitter and wrote, “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 condemns the tragic terrorist incident in #NewZealand. Our High Commission is in touch with the local authorities and trying to ascertain details. @MFATgovtNZ , #pakistanagainstterror

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 15, 2019

Dr Mohammad Faisal said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has condemned in the strongest terms the tragic terrorist attack in Christchurch, NewZeland.

The foreign minister has expressed condolences over loss of innocent lives in the heinous attack, he told.

FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi has condemned in the strongest terms the tragic terrorist attack in #Christchurch, #NewZeland FM has expressed condolences over loss of innocent lives in the heinous attack #ChristchurchMosqueAttack @MFATgovtNZ @SMQureshiPTI #pakistanagainstterror

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) March 15, 2019

Dr Faisal said, “Syed Moazzam Shah, Minister Political, Pakistan High Commission in New Zealand, Cell +64 21 779 495 is our focal point. Media queries however may be directed to Spokesperson in Islamabad.”

Syed Moazzam Shah, Minister Political, Pakistan High Commission in New Zealand, Cell +64 21 779 495 is our focal point. Media queries however may be directed to Spokesperson in Islamabad. #pakistanagainstterror

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 15, 2019

Let it be known that a gunman opened fire inside the Masjid al Noor mosque during afternoon prayers, causing multiple fatalities.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the deadly mosque shootings in Christchurch had plunged the country into one of its "darkest days".

"Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence," Ardern said in an address to a shocked nation.

"Many of those who will have been directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here," Ardern said.

"They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not."

"They should have been in a safe environment," she said.

One person is in custody, but police said it was not yet clear if there were other people involved. "There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence," Ardern added.

"For now, my thoughts, and I’m sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those who have been affected, and also with their families."

Her comments were echoed by the leader of the opposition Simon Bridges.

"We stand with and support the New Zealand Islamic community," he said.

"No one in this country should live in fear, no matter their race or religion, their politics or their beliefs."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was among the foreign leaders who expressed their concern.

"I’m horrified by the reports I’m following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand," he said.

"The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins."

Bangladesh’s cricket team also escaped unscathed after the shooting at the mosque. Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were bussed to the mosque and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he said.

Player Tamim Iqbal tweeted that it was a "frightening experience" and that there were "active shooters".

"Entire team got saved from active shooters!!!" tweeted Tamim Iqbal. "Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers."

With inputs from AFP