ISLAMABAD – New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters telephoned ForeignMinister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and expressed his deepest condolences overthe killing of nine Pakistani nationals and one critically injured, in theterrorist attack on two mosques in the Christchurch last Friday.

He conveyed his condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families ofthe innocent victims.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi condemned the attack and called it aheinous and cowardly act.

He also expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the Government and people ofPakistan, over the loss of 50 precious lives and 34 critically injured. Hesaid the menace of terrorism has reached shores of a peaceful and beautifulcountry like New Zealand. The mindless killing spree carried out by theterrorists once again proved that terrorism knows no religion orboundaries, he said.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism and haslost over 70,000 innocent lives, which affirms Pakistan’s narrative thatterrorism is an international phenomenon, having no religion and should notbe associated with any religion.

The Foreign Minister wished speedy recovery to those injured in theincident. He assured Pakistan’s support to the government and people of NewZealand in this hour of grief. Shah Mehmood Qureshi requested hiscounterpart for full assistance in the transportation of dead bodies toPakistan.