Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned a terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, which killed five individuals, including three children. In a statement issued by the Presidency, Zardari extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and patience. The president called the attack on school-going children an "inhumane and despicable crime." Zardari held India responsible for backing terrorist groups allegedly involved in such incidents. He stated that Pakistan would fully expose India's role in sponsoring terrorism at international forums. "Terrorists targeting education and innocent lives are enemies of humanity," Zardari said. He added that these acts aimed to derail development in Balochistan, but the nation remained resolute. "Those who wish to disrupt the peace and progress of Balochistan will not succeed," he affirmed. President Zardari also emphasised the state's commitment to completely eliminating Indian-sponsored terrorist networks and ensuring justice for the victims. Following the President's remarks, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also issued a strong condemnation of the incident, describing it as a "savage and calculated attack on the future of Pakistan." Expressing deep sorrow over the deaths of the children and their teachers, the prime minister conveyed solidarity with the grieving families and directed authorities to apprehend the perpetrators without delay. He instructed for immediate and high-priority medical treatment for those injured in the attack. Sharif declared that targeting schoolchildren was a vile attack on the nation's values and its future, revealing the terrorists' hostility toward education in Balochistan. "By striking a school bus, these enemies have crossed all limits of brutality," he said. He affirmed that Pakistan would relentlessly pursue and punish those responsible. "We will not rest until these Indian-backed terrorists are brought to justice. No effort will be spared in thwarting their evil designs," the Prime Minister added. Sharif stated that the people of Pakistan, along with the security forces, remain committed to eradicating terrorism and protecting the peace and progress of the country.
