Terrorism struck Pakistan after months of relative improvement in security, with a Taliban splinter group’s suicide bomber blowing up 70 people in an attack on Civil Hospital in Quetta, the capital of southwestern Balochistan province.
The bombing, claimed by Jamaat ul Ahrar splinter group of the Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan, targeted mourners gathered at the hospital after the killing of a prominent lawyer. The victims included two cameramen, lawyers and citizens. Pakistan’s top political leadership including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack in strongest terms, assuring people of strict security measures. The shoot and run and suicide bombing appear to be coordinated attacks.
Reacting to the attack, the White House condemned in the strongest terms Monday’s horrific suicide attack in Quetta, Pakistan.
“That this attack occurred at a hospital and appeared to target a gathering of lawyers mourning the death of a respected colleague makes it all the more heinous,” Josh Earnest, White House Press Secretary said.
“Our hearts go out to the families and other loved ones of the more than 60 killed, and we wish a speedy recovery to the dozens more injured.”
The United States, he said, is “committed to our continuing counterterrorism partnership with Pakistan, and we remain resolute in joining with the people of Pakistan in confronting terrorism in Pakistan and across the region.”
In Islamabad, US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale condemned the attacks.
“On behalf of the US Mission to Pakistan, I strongly condemn today’s horrendous and despicable attacks in Quetta, the murder of Balochistan Bar Association President Bilal Kasi and the bombing at the Civil Hospital,” diplomat said in a statement issued in Islamabad.
“This brutal and senseless attack on civilians will not undermine one of the most important pillars of Pakistan’s democracy and civil society,” a statement said.
“We know this attack will not weaken the determination of the Pakistani people to create a secure, stable, and prosperous country. The US stands with the government and people of Pakistan and is committed to supporting them in the fight against terrorism. We support Pakistan’s efforts to bring to justice those behind the attack,” it added.
In New York, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned Monday’s terrorist attack at the Civil Hospital in Quetta, and called on Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of to justice.
“The targeting of mourners at a civilian hospital makes the attack particularly appalling,” the UN chief said in a statement read out by Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq at the regular noon briefing.
“The Secretary-General urges the Government to do its utmost to ensure safety of the population and bring to justice the perpetrators of today’s attack,” the statement said.
“He extends his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. He expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of Pakistan.”
