'Terrorism is indefensible': Leaders, missions condemn Peshawar attack

Foreign missions, dignitaries denounce terror attack; vow to fight against terrorism

After the deadly suicide attack on a mosque in Peshawar's Police Lines, condolences and condemnation poured in from foreign nations and dignitaries.

The death toll from the savage attack rose to 92 on Tuesday, as the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) declared a day of mourning. 

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that "terrorism for any reason at any place is indefensible". He also extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

Worshipers at a mosque in Peshawar endured a horrific attack today, which killed and injured many. Terrorism for any reason at any place is indefensible. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. https://t.co/bPvvcKdwfN

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 30, 2023

The US mission in Islamabad also offered its condolences to the families of the victims of the "horrific attack".

"The United States stands with Pakistan in condemning all forms of terrorism," it reiterated.

The U.S. Mission to Pakistan extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the horrific attack at a Police Lines mosque in Peshawar on January 30. The United States stands with Pakistan in condemning all forms of terrorism.

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) January 30, 2023

According to AFP, United Nations Secretary-General Anto­nio Guterres denounced the blast.

“The secretary-general strongly condemns the suicide bombing that took place at a mosque in Peshawar in Pakistan earlier today,” said Stephane Dujarric, Guterres's spokesman.

“It is particularly abhorrent that such an attack occurred at a place of worship.”

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Peshawar.

The mission expressed its deep grievances and paid "deepest condolences to the families of victims and injured of the tragedy".

Embassy of China strongly condemns the terrorist attack at the mosque in Peshawar. We feel deeply grieved and pay our deepest condolences to the families of victims and injured of the tragedy.

— Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) January 31, 2023

British Minister of State Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs Lord Tariq Ahmed denounced the "horrific attack" and maintained that the United Kingdom was committed to the fight against terrorism.

Read 'Chaos, utter confusion': Witnesses recall Peshawar mosque blast

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this attack, and their loved ones".

I strongly condemn the horrific terror attack on a mosque in the Police Lines area of Peshawar, Pakistan today.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this attack, and their loved ones. The UK 🇬🇧 is committed to the fight against terrorism.

— Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) January 30, 2023

Nobel peace prize laureate Malala Yousafzai stated that she was "shattered and heartbroken" over the lives lost and injuries suffered.

She urged the government and security forces to "fight terrorism in all forms and protect every citizen".

I am shattered and heartbroken that so many people lost their lives or suffered injuries in the attack on a mosque in Peshawar Police Lines. I urge the government & security forces to fight terrorism in all forms & protect every citizen. My prayers are with the victims' families.

— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) January 30, 2023

Peshawar attack

The rescue operation following the sorrowful mosque blast in Peshawar is still underway as the debris from the mosque is being removed.

According to the Police Control Room Peshawar, more than 200 injured were taken to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), out of which about 100 are under treatment and the rest have been discharged.

The dead bodies of those martyred in the blast have been handed over to the heirs of the deceased after identification for burial.