Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday telephoned his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe and reiterated Pakistan’s offer of assistance to Sri Lanka in its efforts to counter terrorism.
While strongly condemning the terrorist attacks that took place on Easter Sunday, the prime minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and profound prayers for the speedy recovery of the wounded. He said the people of Pakistan are deeply grieved over the loss of precious lives and stand with their Sri Lankan brethren at this hour of grief. “Being the worst sufferers of terrorism, we can feel the pain of our Sri Lankan brethren,” he added.
The prime minister said that terrorism knows no boundaries, no religion as its threatens the peace of entire region and the world. He said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and will continue to provide every possible support for elimination of the menace.
President Dr Arif Alvi also telephoned his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena and condemned the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka that took place on the occasion of Easter and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
FO rejects Indian attempt to link Pakistanis detained in Sri Lanka with Easter blasts
The president affirmed that the people and government of Pakistan stand in complete solidarity with their Sri Lankan brethren. He said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Reaffirming unwavering support to Sri Lanka, the president reiterated Pakistan’s offer of all possible assistance in its counter-terrorism measures.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Faisal Wednesday completely rejected the irresponsible attempts by a section of Indian media to link detention of some Pakistanis in Sri Lanka with the recent incidents in Colombo.
The spokesman, in a statement, said according to the information shared by Sri Lankan officials, seven Pakistanis were recently detained by the law enforcement authorities on account of overstay on their visas. “This is a purely consular matter and projecting it in any other manner is patently mischievous,” the spokesman said.
He said such attempts by elements in the Indian media are reflective of a particular, though familiar mindset bent on twisting facts to malign Pakistan on any pretext. He drew attention to the call of the Sri Lankan leadership to avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation.
A series of eight devastating bomb blasts had ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka, killing hundreds of people, including dozens of foreigners.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had condemned the attacks – the worst act of violence since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war a decade ago – as ‘cowardly’.
The powerful blasts – six in quick succession and then two more hours later – had left hundreds injured and wrought devastation, including at the capital’s well-known St Anthony’s Shrine, a historic Catholic Church. At least two of the explosions were carried out by suicide bombers.