PM Shehbaz condemns Karachi terrorist attack, calls for 'collective action'

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned a terrorist attack on a police office in Karachi, underlining the need for "collective action" to root out terrorism from the country.

At least six heavy armed terrorists stormed into a police compound on Karachi's main Sharea Faisal avenue on Friday evening, killing at least two people amid gunfire and explosions.

Police and security forces, including paramilitary soldiers, had launched an operation to eliminate the terrorists and clear the building.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) took responsibility for the attack in a message sent by their spokesman to journalists, according to Reuters.

Read more: Terrorists attack Karachi police office on Sharea Faisal

Taking strict notice of the attack, the prime minister has asked for a report on the incident. He appreciated the police and security forces for their effective action against the terrorists.

He instructed Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan to extend full cooperation of the federal government in the clean-up operation against the terrorists.

The prime minister underlined the need for collective action and the full force of the state to root out the menace of terrorism.

He said that the terrorists had once again targeted Karachi, but this kind of cowardly act could not weaken the resolve of the police and law enforcement agencies.

“The whole nation stands with police and security institutions,” he said, praying for the early recovery of the injured.

Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi, while condemning the terrorist act, said that the entire nation stands beside the security forces. "Efforts will continue to eradicate the scourge of terrorism," he added.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the terrorists cannot demoralise the nation, praising the security personnel taking part in the operation against the militants.

"Any attack on the security and stability of Pakistan will be dealt with iron hands," he added. He further said that anti-national elements will never succeed in their goals.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the attack and directed district inspector generals (DIGs) to send necessary police force from their respective zones to the scene.

In a statement, he directed the officials to immediately arrest the culprits. “The attack on the Karachi Police Chief's office is not acceptable in any case. I want a report of the incident from the officer concerned,” he was quoted as saying.

Consul General of Germany Dr Rüdiger Lotz also condemned the terrorist attack. He offered his heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives combating the terrorists and wished a quick recovery for the injured.

Germany, he said, stands with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.

(With additional input from APP)