Pakistan joins global outcry over shooting

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan's top leadership joined a chorus of global condemnation on Sunday after gunshots disrupted the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, with world leaders expressing shock over the incident and relief that US President Donald Trump and other attendees escaped unharmed.

President Asif Ali Zardari described the episode as a "heinous form of terrorism," strongly condemning the attack while expressing satisfaction that President Trump and the First Lady were safe. Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani echoed the sentiment, calling the incident deeply concerning and extending best wishes for the safety and well-being of all those present.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was "deeply shocked" by what he termed a disturbing act of violence, adding that he was relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and other attendees were unharmed.

"My thoughts and prayers are with him," he said, wishing the US president continued safety.

The attack, which took place during the high-profile annual dinner attended by political leaders, journalists and public figures, prompted a swift international response, with leaders across Europe, North America and beyond condemning political violence and reaffirming support for democratic institutions.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the incident as an attack on democratic values, stating that "any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney similarly stressed that "political violence has no place in any democracy," while expressing concern for those affected.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack "unacceptable," asserting that violence had no place in democracy, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said humanity could only move forward through "democracy, coexistence and peace." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the swift response of law enforcement in securing the venue.

Leaders from other regions also weighed in, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasising that political struggles must be conducted through ideas rather than violence, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warning against allowing "fanaticism to poison the spaces of free debate and information." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum added that "violence must never be the way."

Amid the heightened security concerns, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III's scheduled four-day state visit to the United States would proceed as planned, following consultations with American authorities. The King and Queen Camilla are due to arrive on Monday, with engagements including a private meeting with President Trump and an address to Congress.

A palace spokesperson said the monarch was being kept fully informed of developments and was relieved that the US president and all guests had remained safe. The royal couple also conveyed their sympathies to Trump and the First Lady, while expressing gratitude to officials who ensured the visit could go ahead.

British officials indicated that while the visit would proceed, minor operational adjustments to certain engagements could be made as a precaution. Security coordination between US and UK agencies remains ongoing, reflecting the seriousness of the incident and its implications for high-level diplomatic events.