LAHORE
Strongly condemning the Charsadda terrorist attack, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for a critical reappraisal of the operations against terrorists and a more stringent implementation of the National Action Plan, especially the agenda for dealing with centres and organisations responsible for the training and assisting terrorist groups.
In a statement issued here Thursday the commission said, 'the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) shares the nation’s shock and grief at the terrorist attack on theBacha KhanUniversityin Charsadda and conveys its condolences to the families of the 20 innocent persons, 18 of them young students, who were gunned down by the raiders.'
The incident should be most vigorously condemned for several reasons. First, as in the case of the attack on theArmyPublic Schoolin Peshawar, the terrorists targeted students, that is, the future ofPakistan and that shows how great enemies of Pakistani people they are. Secondly, this is the third major incident of terrorism within as many weeks and it confirms that the terrorists still enjoy the freedom to attack wherever they wish. And, thirdly, this incident should be taken as a continuation of the war the terrorists have been waging against the Awami National Party (ANP) for its nationalist, secular and anti-extremism policies, in the course of which it has lost hundreds of activists and sympathisers.Pakistanwill invite greater perils if the lessons of the latest wave of terrorism are not heeded. The fact that ANP is under extremists’ attack should not make other political parties complacent. Their turn might also come and perhaps sooner than expected. All parties must therefore wholeheartedly join the struggle against terrorism.
funeral prayers: Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Liaqat Baloch led funeral prayers in absentia (Ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza) for the martyrs of Charsada university terror attack under the aegis of Islamia Jamait-e-Talaba at Punjab University on Thursday.
Talking to the media, he strongly condemned terrorist attacks in Charsada, Jamrud, Peshawar and Quetta. Liaqat Baloch further said India and Bangladesh were adopting every tactic against this country but the rulers in Islamabad were easily falling into the enemy's trap due to their expediencies.
He said terrorists were enemies of Islam, Muslims and humanity. He said the whole nation was united in the war against terrorism under the National Action Plan.
Th JI secretary general said terrorist attacks on educational institutions were an enemies' attempt to discourage Pakistani nation in its quest for peace and justice. However, he said masses would face the enemy's tactics with full courage and resolve.
PTI demo: PTI workers led by Ch Muhammad Sarwar staged a protest demonstration against a terrorist attack on Bacha Khan University and chanted slogans against the terrorists.
Expressing support to the security forces combating against terrorists, the PTI members also lauded the martyrs of the Bacha Khan University attack and offered Fateha for all those killed in different terrorist attacks in the country.
They also offered Fateha for the martyrs and held dua for the success of army in war against terrorism. Speaking to the media, Ch Sarwar said the implementation of the National Action Plan was gradually eliminating terrorism from the country. He said the whole nation is united in the war against terrorism. He said that no force could now save the terrorists from defeat. He said no society could progress without promoting education and the terrorists had actually tried to keep the country in the dark by attacking on a prestigious university. He said the terrorists would, however, fail in their nefarious designs. He said progress, prosperity and peace could not be achieved in the country until and unless the war against terrorism would be won. He said the National Action Plan was according to the wishes of the nation and everybody in the country was standing alongside the security forces to eliminate the terrorists. He said the army would surely win the war against terrorism and create peace in the country. Andleeb Abbas and others also attended the protest.
GCU walk: Members of the Academic Staff Association (ASA) of GC University Lahore on Thursday participated in the 'Solidarity Walk to condemn terrorist attack on Bacha Khan University Charsadda and show solidarity with the students and teachers of the university in collaboration with the university management, non-teaching staff and students.
Prof. Riaz Ahmad, President, ASA, said the university might not have enough resources to provide foolproof security so the law enforcing agencies should give their input in this context. Vice-President Dr. Atif Yaqub said the incidence was symbolic attack on teaching and student community.
General Secretary Dr. Nauman Aftab viewed this incidence an attempt to hit the future of Pakistan and showed teachers' and students' commitment to take up the challenges offered from terrorists. The entire academic staff of GCU feels itself fully committed to the defeat of the wave of terrorism.