British High Commissioner to Pakistan offers condolences on anniversary of Peshawar school massacre
The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Philip Barton CMG OBE, has offered his ‘heartfelt condolences’ on the first anniversary of the attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar.
Last year, on 16th December 2014, the Army Public School in the Pakistani city of Peshawar was targeted by the Taliban.
A total of 145 people were killed, including 132 school children and ten school staff members. It was one of the worst acts of terror in the country’s history.
Mr Barton said: “A year ago today, a barbaric terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar resulted in the death of over 150 people, the vast majority of them school children.
“On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to all those who continue to be affected by that attack.
“We remember the sacrifice of all those killed in this horrific act of terrorism, in particular those young people cut down in their prime. We salute the courage of their parents and families who continue to suffer.”
In recent weeks, countries across the world from Lebanon to France, and the US to Pakistan have seen terrible acts of indiscriminate violence by terrorists.
Mr Barton continued: “Pakistan has suffered more than most. The United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan as it tackles this scourge.”
Following the attack on the school last year, HRH The Queen sent a personal message of condolence to the President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain.
The British Prime Minister David Cameron also wrote to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The British Chief of the Defence Staff wrote to Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff, General Raheel, to express the British Armed Forces’ heartfelt sympathy for those affected by the tragedy.
Pakistan today executed eight convicted murderers, bringing the total number of executions to 310 since it lifted a suspension on the death penalty following the terror attack on the army run school.
