Norway condemns terrorist attack in Pakistan

“Norway condemns the appalling terrorist attack on a church in Peshawar, Pakistan, on 22 September. The attack must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 

The attack on a church in the old part of the provincial capital Peshawar took place just after Mass on Sunday morning. The congregation had gathered outside the church for a free meal when two explosions killed more than 70 people, including many women and children, and injured more than 100. This is the worst attack on Pakistan’s Christian minority for many years.

 “Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the people of Pakistan,” said Mr Eide. 

The terrorist attack is the latest in a series of tragic attacks on religious communities in Pakistan. These include a number of attacks on the country’s Shia Muslim minority earlier this year. Sunni Muslim extremists are behind them. 

“I am very concerned about the growth of terrorist movements in Pakistan. 

“These terrorist attacks hit innocent people and are destabilising Pakistan. The authorities must take resolute action,” said Mr Eide.