We have learnt with sorrow today (16 March) that according to initial reports, 15 people lost their lives and at least 30 people were injured as a result of the explosion of an improvised time bomb planted on a bus carrying the Provincial Ministries’ personnel in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan.

We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist act targeting peace and stability of Pakistan, wish God’s mercy on those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the wounded, and convey our condolences to the Government and brotherly people of Pakistan.

On this sad occasion, we reiterate our belief that Pakistan will succeed in its fight against terrorism and we will continue to support Pakistan in this fight.