FM Qureshi expresses solidarity with affected families of NZ mosque

F.P. Report

MULTAN: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday while expressing solidarity with the affected families of New Zealand mosque attack told that the government is in touch with the families of missing people as well as the government to attain information at earliest.

Talking to media persons in Multan, he said the government is utilizing all channels including Pakistani High Commission to know the status of the Pakistani people.

He hoped that mosques in European and other world countries will be protected and remain opened for prayer in a safe environment.

Qureshi told that at least 300 Pakistani resides in Christchurch.

The foreign minister reiterated that Pakistan wants peace and resolve the issues through dialogue with India.

He said there is election environment in India, and Modi regime could have any misadventure for which we are fully alert.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that United Nations, Russia, United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other friendly countries helped in de-escalating the tension with India and we are thankful to them.

The Foreign Minister said he is leaving for China on Monday where he will exchange views with the Chinese leadership on latest prevailing situation especially the current situation with India.

To a question, he said that OIC adopted a resolution on Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and declared the Indian acts as terrorism.

He said that Kashmiri people sacrificed with their blood and raised the issue at international level.

Charged with murder

A right-wing extremist who filmed himself on a shooting rampage that left 49 mosque-goers dead flashed a white power gesture as he appeared in a New Zealand court Saturday charged with murder.

Australian-born 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant stood in the dock wearing handcuffs and a white prison smock, as the judge read a single murder charge against him. A raft of further charges are expected.

The former fitness instructor and self-professed fascist occasionally turned to look at media present in court during the brief hearing that the public were excluded from for security reasons.

Flanked by armed police he made an upside-down “okay” signal, a symbol used by white power groups across the globe. He did not request bail and was taken into custody until his next court appearance which is scheduled for April 5.

A short distance from the court, 39 people were being treated in hospital for gunshot wounds and other injuries inflicted in the massacre.

The wounded included a two-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl, who was in critical condition.

Doctors at Christchurch hospital said they worked through the night in 12 operating theatres to treat the survivors.

The attack on the Al Noor and Linwood mosques has been labelled terrorism by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and is thought to be the deadliest attack directed against Muslims in the West in modern times.