Death toll of Pakistanis martyred in NZ mosques massacre rises to nine

We are in touch with family of those martyred in the Christ­church attack, says FO spokesperson

The death toll of Pakistani nationals martyred in the Christchurch terrorist attack has reached nine, according to the Foreign Office.

"Mr Zeeshan Raza, his father Mr Ghulam Hussain and mother Ms. Karam bibi have now been confirmed to have embraced shahadat [martyrdom] in the terrorist attack in New Zealand," FO Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal confirmed in a tweet on Sunday.

“We are in touch with their family,” the spokesperson went on to add.

Mr Zeeshan Raza, his father Mr Ghulam Hussain and mother Ms. Karam bibi have now been confirmed to have embraced shahadat in the terrroist attack in #NewZealand. We are in touch with their family. A total of 9 Pakistanis embraced shahadat in #NewZealandTerrorAttack

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 17, 2019

The Friday's attacks on two Christ­church mosque­s left at least 50 dead and several injured.

On Saturday, the Dr Faisal stated that at least six Pakistani citizens have died in the deadly terrorist attack

Three other Pakistanis are still missing and yet to be identified, the spokesperson said in a statement on Twitter.

Terrorism in #NewZealand: Mr. Sohail Shahid, Syed Jahandad Ali, Syed Areeb Ahmed, Mr. Mahboob Haroon, Mr. Naeem Rashid and his son Mr. Talha Naeem have been announced dead by #NewZealand authorities. Other 3 missing are still being identified. #ChristchurchMosqueShooting

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 16, 2019

Authorities in New Zealand have identified the Pakistani martyred as Sohail Shahid, Syed Jahandad Ali, Syed Areeb Ahmed, Mahboob Haroon, Naeem Rashid and his son Talha Naeem.

One of the martyred is being hailed as a hero for his courageous attempt to stop the shooter during one of the two attacks at mosques.

Naeem Rashid, succumbed to his wounds while under treatment following the attack and was identified as the individual who rushed at the right-wing terrorist attacking the mosque.



Dr Faisal, in a separate tweet, said that Rashid and his son will be buried in Christchurch, adding that arrangements for the burial are in place. He said the Muslim community and a Pakistani association in the city were assisting in arrangements.

The FO spokesperson further said the Pakistani mission was working with families of other four victims for possible transport of bodies to Pakistan.

Mr. Naeem Rashid and his son will be buried in Christchurch Arrangemets for the burial are in place
Muslim& Pakistani Association in the city has assisted in arrangements.
Mission is working with families of other 4 victims for possible transport of dead bodies to #Pakistan

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 16, 2019

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has directed that all possible help and assistance be extended to the families of the deceased and missing in the Christchurch carnage, Dr Faisal said in another tweet.

Crisis Management Cell

Meanwhile, a Crisis Management Cell has been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad to address the developing situation, update on the wellbeing of and latest information of Pakistani citizens living in New Zealand.

FM Qureshi has directed all possible help and assistance be extended to the familes of the deceased and missing #Pakistanis, in #NewZealand terrorist incident. #pakistanagainstterrorism

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 16, 2019

In addition to the cell, Pakistan’s High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner in New Zealand will also be available for information and assistance, round the clock, said a FO statement.

Immediate family members of victims of terrorist attack in New Zealand can apply for Visa at;
http:/ https://t.co/y4cT4uRYCC
1/2

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 16, 2019

applicants may send application number and scanned copies of passports to Mr. Moin Fudda, Honrary CG of New Zealand for Pakistan
email: [e-mail]
WhatsApp: [phone]

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 16, 2019