International reaction: World leaders condemn the ‘cowardly attack’

UN chief calls for bringing the perpetrators to justice

World leaders on Wednesday strongly condemned the militant attack on Bacha Khan University in Charsadda and offered condolences for the victims and their families.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for bringing the perpetrators to justice. “He (the Secretary-general) is appalled by such acts of violence and calls for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice,” UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement.

In a statement issued by US Department of State, the deputy spokesperson Mark C Toner offered ‘deepest condolences’ to the victims and their families. “It is particularly appalling that these terrorists continue to attack educational institutions, targeting Pakistan’s future generations,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to micro-blogging site to ‘strongly condemn’ the terror attack at Bacha Khan University. “Condolences to families of the deceased. Prayers with the injured,” he wrote.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also phoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and conveyed his grief and sorrow over the terrorist attack. The prime minister thanked President Erdogan for his concern and extending condolences on behalf of the government and people of Turkey.

Jordan’s King Abdullah also condemned the terrorist attack in a cable to President Mamnoon Hussain. The king also stressed Jordan’s stance that supports Pakistan in combating ‘these cowardly criminal acts’, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Mehbooba Mufti, the designate chief minister of Indian held Kashmir, also condemned the attack. “My heart goes out to everyone who lost their loved ones in today’s cowardly terror attack in Bacha Khan University, Charsadda. I share their pain and offer my deepest condolences,” she said in a message.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2016.