ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly condemned the string of deadly Easter day bombings in Sri Lanka which have so far killed more than 280 people and injured at least 500, including four Pakistanis, in a series of blasts targeting churches and hotels in three cities.
The foreign ministry confirmed that three Pakistani women and a child were injured in the blasts. All four sustained minor injuries and were discharged after receiving treatment.
“Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a twitter post.
Hours after the bombings, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke to Sri Lankan Prime Minster Ranil Wickremesinghe to express his deepest condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Khan, and extended Pakistan’s help and support to the government and people of Sri Lanka.
A statement from the foreign office said Qureshi had conveyed sympathies to the victims’ families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
In their conversation, he also said that as a victim of prolonged terrorism, Pakistan “fully understands the pain of their Sri Lankan brethren”
There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the bombings in a country which has seen a lull in major attacks since the end of its civil war 10 years ago, during which time bomb blasts in the capital were common.
The Sri Lankan government declared a curfew and has blocked access to most major social media and messaging sites on a day that is celebrated by Christians around the world as the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death on the cross.
Pakistan condemns Easter Day bombings on Sri Lanka churches, hotels
Pakistan condemns Easter Day bombings on Sri Lanka churches, hotels
- Four Pakistanis among injured
- Foreign minister Qureshi speaks to Sri Lankan Prime Minister to express solidarity
Thai Air station manager found dead at Karachi airport, inquiry underway
- Airport authorities say preliminary assessments point to a cardiac incident
- CCTV footage is being secured and police and medical teams informed
ISLAMABAD: A station manager for Thai Air was found dead at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan’s Airports Authority confirmed on Sunday, adding that preliminary indications pointed to a cardiac incident but an inquiry was still underway.
Local media reported a day earlier the body was found inside the Thai Air office at the airport terminal after the employee had not been seen for several hours. Initial medical assessments cited by local outlets suggested no immediate signs of foul play.
“A preliminary inquiry is underway,” Saifullah, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), who uses a single name, said in a statement.
“The Airport Security Force has been instructed to preserve nearby CCTV footage, while police and medical teams have been informed,” he added. “A detailed report will be submitted once the investigation is completed.”
Thai Air, the national carrier of Thailand, has long been used by Pakistani travelers flying to Bangkok and onward destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly for tourism and business travel.
Many Pakistani travelers also reach Thailand and other destinations in the region by first flying to Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, before catching connecting flights.
However, these routes typically add to travel time compared with direct or near-direct options.
