World condemns Quetta attack

India, Afghanistan repeat old rhetoric

ISLAMABAD: The world community on Tuesday condemned the terrorist attack at the Police Training College in Quetta, with India and Afghanistan repeating the same old rhetoric.

The United States strongly condemned the terrorist attack. In a statement, the White House’s National Security Office said the US stands with the people of Pakistan and reiterates its commitment to support the government to end terrorism. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this cowardly attack, many of whom were training to support the safety and security of the Pakistani people,” the statement read.

It added that the US supports the Government of Pakistan in its “effort to end the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism and to promote peace, security and stability in the region.”

Earlier, the State Department also sent out a similar statement condemning the attack. The department spokesperson, John Kirby, said, “We extend our condolences to the victims and their families, including the police cadets who are embarking on careers of public service.”

The spokesperson further said that the US stands with the people of Pakistan and the government at this difficult hour. “We will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism,” Kirby said.

The Chinese side was shocked to learn that the terrorist attack in Quetta of Balochistan province has caused heavy casualties, says a press release issued by the Chinese embassy.“We strongly condemn the attack as well as extend deep condolences to the deceased and sincere sympathy to the injured and bereaved families. China is opposed to all forms of terrorism,” said the statement.

“The Chinese side will continue to firmly support Pakistan’s efforts to fight against terrorism, safeguard national stability and protect the people’s lives and property,” the release added.

The United Nations family in Pakistan also strongly condemned the terror attack, targeting recruits and security personnel in Quetta.“We express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of all those who lost their lives or were injured in the brutal terror attack. Our thoughts today are with the Pakistani security forces, the victims and their families, as well as the Pakistani people,” said Angela Kearney, United Nations Pakistan Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator.

She said the UN family in Pakistan was deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the blast.“Such attacks are inhuman and totally unjustifiable. On behalf of the UN System, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” she said.

Japan also strongly condemned the attack, saying, “Japan strongly condemns such act of terrorism which targets innocent people as inexcusable.”

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan released by Japanese Consulate said Japan is shocked and saddened by the terrorist attacks which caused numerous deaths and injuries at the Police College in Quetta.

“Japan prays for the victims and expresses its condolences to the bereaved families. Japan also prays those injured for their earliest recovery,” said the statement.It said Japan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterated that no act of terrorism can be justified.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President Federica Mogherini also condemned the terrorist attack in Quetta.

In a statement, she said the people of Pakistan were once again in their thoughts following the Monday night’s deadly attack on a police training centre in Quetta which has killed at least 60 people and injured many more.

“This attack underlines the continuing threat posed by terrorism and the need for strong international cooperation in the fight against it in Pakistan, the wider region and beyond,” she added.

Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar expressed grief over the loss of lives in Quetta attack at Police Training Centre, saying such incidents show why one should not create “uncontrollable violence”.

An Indian news agency quoted the minister as saying, “You need to control anything that the state does. Non-state actors should not be supported by any country. That is crux of our security doctrine. We have said that non-state actors, who are involved in terrorism, should be curtailed. Sometimes it can bounce on you also. I think this is one of such event,” Parrikar said.

Afghanistan also condemned the attack and dismissed Pakistan’s allegations that the assault was planned from bases inside Afghanistan. “Afghanistan is the biggest victim of terrorism and denounces all terrorist attacks,” said Haroon Chakhansuri, spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

In a separate statement, Ghani also condemned the attack, saying that “terrorism is a threat throughout the region, which is reflected in the brutal act today in Quetta.”Noting that terrorism is a shared threat to the region and the world, President Ghani called for a joint fight against the menace at the national and regional levels.