PM Imran Khan condemns terror attack at New Zealand mosque

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran khan condemned the terror attack at a New Zealand mosque on Friday that left 40 dead and 20 injured.

The premier turned to Twitter to express his regret over the incident while offering prayers to the families of those affected and the ones parted.

“Shocked and strongly condemn the Christchurch, New Zealand, terrorist attack on mosques. This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families,” read his tweet.

He went on to hold the rising grip of Islamophobia following 9/11 that have amplified the challenges for Muslims around the globe: 

"I blame these increasing terror attacks on the current Islamophobia post-9/11 where Islam & 1.3 bn Muslims have collectively been blamed for any act of terror by a Muslim. This has been done deliberately to also demonize legitimate Muslim political struggles."

 Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal also condemned the attack as he stated on Twitter than the High Commission is presently in contact with authorities in New Zealand to learn additional information regarding the shootout at Masjid al Noor during the Friday prayers at Christchurch.

"Pakistan condemns the tragic terrorist incident in New Zealand. Our High Commission is in touch with the local authorities and trying to ascertain details,” he had tweeted.

“Syed Moazzam Shah, Minister Political, Pakistan High Commission in New Zealand, Cell +64 21 779 495 is our focal point. Media queries however may be directed to Spokesperson in Islamabad," he stated further.

Moreover, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also denounced the attack as revealed by the foreign office spokesperson, who stated: “M Shah Mahmood Qureshi has condemned in the strongest terms the tragic terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand. FM has expressed condolences over loss of innocent lives in the heinous attack."

On the other hand, minister of information Fawad Chaudhry also issued a statement regarding the terror attack saying: “Hearts and soul of people of Pakistan are with people of New Zealand. Bangladesh Cricket Team escaped the attack; Pakistan suffered same situation years back and can feel n relate to the pain and misery."

Earlier during Friday prayers, a gunman had broken into a mosque and killed 40 people and left 20 injured, reported local media though the death toll as of yet remains unconfirmed.