Nazarbayev sends condolences to Pakistan's President over terrorist attack

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev has sent a telegram of condolence to President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain over the recent terrorist attack in Pakistan’s city of Peshawar, Tengrinews reports citing the press service of Akorda.

Kazakhstan’s President was deeply grieved by the news about tragic deaths of the civilians, most of whom were schoolchildren.

“Kazakhstan strongly condemns international terrorism and extremism that pose a significant threat to security and peace. The cruel terrorist attack in Peshawar once again showed that there is no place for radical groups in the civilized world,” the telegram said.

On behalf of the people of Kazakhstan and on his own behalf, Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims and the people of Pakistan and wished a speedy recovery to all the victims of the terrorist act.

On December 17, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry released a statement, where it condemned the terrorist attack. “Killing of innocent children and teachers evokes outrage and disgust. The act shows the extreme inhumanity of terrorists,” the statement said.

Kazakhstan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and supports the collective efforts of the international community to combat terrorism. Kazakhstan also supports early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that intends to criminalize all forms of international terrorism and deny terrorists, their financiers and supporters access to funds, arms, and safe havens.

On Tuesday, a team of Taliban gunmen stormed the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. The attack claimed 148 people, including 132 schoolchildren, mostly between the ages of 8 and 18. This was was the deadliest terrorist attack ever to occur in Pakistan.

The Pakistani Taliban said the assault was a revenge for killing of its fighters and their families in an ongoing military operation against its hideouts in the North Waziristan tribal area, and warned that more attacks would follow.

Pakistan has been battling Islamist groups in its semi-autonomous tribal belt since 2004, after its army entered the region to search for Al-Qaeda fighters who had fled across the border following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

By Assel Satubaldina