Pakistan condemns terrorist attacks at Sri Lanka churches, hotels

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks targetting churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that claimed more than 150 lives on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

Condemning the attacks, Prime Minister Imran Khan shared his condolences and said Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.

"Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief," the premier tweeted. 

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal issued the condemnation in a Twitter post, and said the people and government of Pakistan stand by Sri Lanka at this moment of tragedy. 

"Pakistan condemns explosions and terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka at Churches & Hotels, that have led to numerous casualties and immense loss. People and Government of Pakistan stand by people and Government of Sri Lanka at this moment of tragedy and against terror @MFA_SriLanka," the spokesperson said.

At least 156 people were killed and hundreds injured as multiple blasts hit churches and hotels in Sri Lanka as worshippers attended Easter Sunday services. 

At least 45 people were reported dead in Colombo, where three hotels and a church were hit. Another 67 were killed in an attack on a church in Negombo north of the capital, with another 25 dead at a church in the town of Batticaloa, in the east of the country.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted, "Shocked and saddened by the horrific multiple bombings in Sri Lanka this morning targeting churches and hotels. Sri Lanka has fought a long and hard battle against terrorism. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Sri Lanka in their hour of grief and sorrow."

Opposition leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif wrote, "Tragic Easter carnage in Sri Lanka. We mourn the loss of innocent lives. Stand by Sri Lanka and the Christian community around the globe in this hour of grief."

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari also condemned the attacks and said terrorism needed a strong united global approach to be effectively defeated worldwide.

"Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks on churches & hotels in Colombo on Easter Sunday. Terrorism needs a strong united global approach to be effectively defeated worldwide. We stand with our Sri Lankan brethren as they confront these brutal terrorist attacks," the minister tweeted.

Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, "Devastating news coming out of Sri Lanka. As always, the purveyors of terror have chosen to target innocents on a holy day. Thoughts & prayers with all the families for whom this #Easter has become one of mourning. #Pakistan stands in grief with its brothers in #SriLanka."

Pakistan High Commission in Colombo wrote on its Twitter account that any Pakistani needing any help/assistance may contact the following phone numbers:

0112055681

0112055682

0767773750