A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about fighting terror and engaging with Pakistan, Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit also addressed the issue.
Asserting that terrorism has no religion and faith, Basit said it was a global phenomenon which could not be defeated through half-baked strategies. He added that countries should transcend individual and collective biases to fight terror.
Basit was speaking at an event marking the first anniversary of the Taliban attack on the army school in Peshawarwhich claimed 148 lives.
He also said the international community must understand that it hurts when Pakistan is painted by some with closed eyes. “No other country has suffered so much from extremism than Pakistan,” he added.
Terrorism is a global, regional, national and local phenomenon; it could not be defeated through half-baked and incoherent strategies. We must transcend our individual and collective biases to eliminate terrorism and ensure that this menace does not resurface anywhere in the world.Abdul Basit, Pakistan High Commissioner
Seven gunmen affiliated to the Tehrik-i-Taliban attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar killing at least 148 on this day, last year.
It is up against our civilisation creating anarchy and disorder. No country, however preponderant, can be complacent when it comes to terrorism. We will triumph over it only if we fight together.Abdul Basit, Pakistan High Commissioner
Terming the Peshawar attack as a “defining moment”, Basit said the people of Pakistan would never let the sacrifices made by the young children go waste.
“We are resolved to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorism targets innocent civilians; therefore it cannot be justified whatsoever. We have no option but to fight it to the end,” he said. He also added, “terrorists are destined to go to hell whatever their faith and religion.”
During the ceremony, one minute silence was observed by the participants and candles were lit in the memory of the victims.
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