Pakistan condemns terrorist attacks at Sri Lanka churches, hotels: Foreign Office

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has condemned the terrorist attacks targetting churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that claimed more than 100 lives on the occasion of Easter.

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 137 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’s 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 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