ISLAMABAD – US President Barack Obama yesterday rang up Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and extended condolences on behalf of the people of United States on the Lahore tragedy.
Asking the prime minister to convey his feelings to the affected families of the gory incident, the US president said, “People of United States are with the government and the people of Pakistan in this tragic moment and we will extend every help to Pakistan to eliminate terror from its soil.”
President Obama further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Pakistan had shown great progress in this war against terrorism. “We acknowledge and appreciate your leadership in the anti-terror efforts and believe that Pakistan will succeed in this war.”
The prime minister said that the invisible enemy was killing innocent people who were soft targets for them due to their broken infrastructure.
“Our resolve is getting stronger day by day. The Pakistani nation will win this war against this invisible enemy and extremist ideology,” he added.
President Obama appreciated PM’s decision to stay back with his nation in this testing time by not attending nuclear security summit.
President Obama told the prime minister that he would be looking forward to meet in near future and he was eagerly waiting for this meeting.
In Washington, the White House in a statement said “President Obama expressed his understanding of Prime Minister Sharif’s decision to cancel his visit to the United States and remain in Pakistan following this terrorist attack.”
Meanwhile, President of Maldives Abdullah Yameen also phoned Prime Minister Sharif and conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of precious human lives in the Lahore terror attack.
PM Sharif said the terrorists were on the run and therefore hitting soft targets including children and women.
“Terrorism has become a serious global threat. We are determined to wipe out terrorism from our soil,” added the prime minister.
CHINA REASSURES SUPPORT AGAINST TERRORISM
INP adds: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang expressed shock over killing of innocent people in terrorist attack in Lahore and assured their support in combating terrorism.
In their condolence messages to their Pakistani counterparts, they appreciated the resolve of the leadership and law-enforcing agencies taking the terrorists to task.
President Xi in his message to President Mamnoon Hussain extended, on behalf of the Chinese govt and the people and in his personal name a heartfelt condolence to the victims and their families.
China opposes terrorism in any forms and condemns in “the strongest possible terms” the terrorist attack that has caused heavy casualties, Xi said, adding, Pakistan has the staunch support from China in its efforts to combat terrorism, safeguard its stability and ensure the safety of its people.
In a similar message to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Premier Li Keqiang said he was shocked by the news of the terrorist attack that had caused heavy casualties. Li, on behalf of the Chinese govt, extended profound condolences to the victims while expressing deep sympathy with their relatives and the injured.
China firmly opposes terrorism in all forms and will continue to firmly support the Pakistani govt and people in their efforts to maintain national security and stability and to crack down on terrorism, he said.
