Pakistani expats decry Quetta attack
UAE community in shock over terrorist raid on police college in Quetta
DUBAI // The Pakistani community in the UAE condemned the terrorist attack in Quetta that killed more than 60 people on Monday night.
Many voiced their dismay at the loss of lives and ongoing violence in Pakistan after heavily armed militants stormed Balochistan Police College, where 700 trainees were at the time. ISIL has claimed responsibility but officials blamed another militant group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.
Shahid Khan, joint secretary and vice president of the Pak Khyber Wing in the UAE, said the community was in shock and anguish over the tragedy. He said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. As non-resident Pakistanis, we stand firmly with our people and army, who are fighting bravely against the major global threat of our time. They are upholding our true values and way of life.”
Real estate executive Zafar Khan, 24, said he was fearful and stressed on Monday night because he was unable to contact his family members in Pakistan.
“It was horrible until I finally managed to speak to my parents and siblings in Quetta,” said Mr Khan, whose uncle was severely injured in a bomb blast in Quetta in August.
“I am now seriously thinking of bringing them here or applying for Canadian immigration. How can I work peacefully if my family members are not safe?”
For Haji Zaman, 40, owner of a vehicle parts business in Sharjah, moving his family members to Dubai was not the solution. “How many people can move to Dubai? We cannot bring all our people here,” he said. “We need to make our homes secure rather than running away.”
H Y, 29, a housewife in Ajman, said her parents’ home was near the police college and she could not bring herself to call them out of fear.
“My husband was not in town. I was alone at home with the children. When I saw the news on the TV, I didn’t have the strength to call my father,” she said. “Fortunately, I got a message from my brother within a few minutes, saying that the family is safe.
“It has become routine now. With every phone ring or WhatsApp message, my heart sinks and I hope all is well in Quetta.”
The attack on the police college is the second terrorist raid in the city in three months.
In August, a suicide bombing at a Quetta hospital killed 73 people, including many lawyers who were there to mourn a colleague who was shot dead. ISIL and Jamaat- ul- Ahrar claimed responsibility for the attack.
Dr Faisel Ikram, general secretary of the Pakistan Association Dubai, said: “We strongly condemn the attack on the police training centre in Quetta and stand with the Pakistani nation.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of the victims of this horrific and tragic incident of terrorism and pray for the souls of the martyrs.
“Our prayers are also with the injured persons and their families, may Allah give them early recovery and give patience to the grieved families.”