In solidarity: G-B mourns deadly Bacha Khan University attack

At least 20 people from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa arrested in region

GILGIT: Condemnation poured in from across Gilgit-Baltistan a day after terrorists killed at least 21 people at Bacha Khan University in Charsadda. At least 20 men from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have also been arrested for questioning on Thursday.

People from all walks of life, including the chief minister and governor, condemned the act of terrorism. All expressed their solidarity with the grieving families in K-P.



Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman said the attack was cowardly and declared Thursday a day of mourning in G-B.

“The national flag will remain lowered in grief over the barbaric act committed by the coward terrorists,” read a statement issued from his office. Rehman expressed his shock over the incident and offered his condolences to families who lost loved ones.

G-B Governor Mir Ghazanfar also condemned the attack and prayed for the departed souls. In his statement issued late on Wednesday, the governor said, “We stand by the aggrieved families and assure them terrorism will be rooted out at all costs.”

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party’s G-B chapters announced three days of mourning to show solidarity with the victims’ families.

“I’m speechless; the terrorists aren’t humans; they are beasts,” said Musrat Jamal, a lawyer. Similar views were expressed by a private school teacher Habib Khan. “Terrorists have no religion or sect. They are merely terrorists and deserve a fitting response,” said Habib.

The messages of condemnation also flooded social media, demanding strict government action against such elements.

Security heightened

After the attack, security was heightened at entry and exit points of the region. According to an official, 20 men belonging to K-P had also been arrested for questioning. “They were picked for interrogation,” he added, requesting anonymity.

The men reportedly belonged to Charsadda district and had businesses in Gilgit. “These are measures which help us keep ourselves abreast of activities of outsiders working in the region,” said the official.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd,  2016.