Foreign missions condemn Kurram attack

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan mourns the loss of over three dozen lives in a passenger bus convoy attack in the northwestern Kurram tribal district, the United States has pledged its support in helping protect the country's citizens.

In a statement, spokesperson for the US Mission in Islamabad Jonathan Lalley said the United States joined the government of Pakistan in condemning the horrific Parachinar attack which resulted in 42 fatalities and left many more critically injured.

"Our sympathies and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we wish the injured a full and speedy recovery," he said.

The spokesperson said that Pakistani people deserved to live free from harm, danger, and threat, and feel protected and secure in their daily lives.

"The United States will remain a steadfast partner as Pakistan works to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens. We stand in solidarity with Pakistan and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at this difficult time," he said.

The Russian Embassy in Islamabad also condemned the Kurram attack.

"It is with great sorrow that we learned about the gunmen attack against civilian convoys in the Kurram district.

We strongly condemn this atrocity and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured," the embassy said in a message.

Also, condemnation came in from the Australian High Commission and the Embassy of Iran in the federal capital.

"We strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent civilians including women and children in Kurram. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected and the people of Pakistan at this difficult time," the Australian High Commission said in a statement.

The Iranian Embassy also condemned the terrorist incident and said it extended condolences to the government and people of Pakistan, especially the families who lost loved ones in the attack.

"Terrorism is a common threat for the entire region and the world and is condemned in all its dimensions and shapes and in all places," the embassy said in a news release.