New Zealand Terrorist Attack: Four Pakistanis injured, five missing

Dr Faisal said that Pakistan High Commission is in touch with local authorities to ascertain details

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Four Pakistani national were injured and five others are still missing in the terrorist attack at two mosques in Christchurch which left around 49 Muslims dead.

In his latest tweet, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said that the injured are being treated in hospitals, while the Pakistan High Commission in New Zealand is in contact with local authorities to ascertain the identity of the five people who are missing.

Update on New Zealand terrorism incident - 4 Pakistanis injured and being treated in hospitals - 5 Pakistanis are missing. Identities are being authenticated in consultation with local authorities.

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

Earlier, the spokesperson said Pakistan condemns the tragic terrorist incident in New Zealand.

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

He said that the people and government of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people and government of New Zealand, the bereaved families and the affected community at this difficult moment.

It is pertinent here to mention 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."