ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: Pakistan and India — hours after the suicide bombing at the venue where India’s national day function was to be held — joined their voice to fight terrorism and carry on with the peace process.
The Indian High Commission, on Friday, went ahead with a reception to mark the 58th Republic Day of India despite the attack outside the five-star hotel that killed the bomber and a security guard about four hours before the function.
There was no official word on the possible motive of the dead bomber. In an untraditional move, speeches were made by the Pakistani chief guest at the reception, Education Minister Javed Ashraf, and Indian High Commissioner Satyabrata Pal, conveying the message that the peace dialogue perhaps was the likely target.
The minister, a retired army lieutenant-general and a former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence said such attackers not only wanted to take innocent lives but were also trying to thwart the peace process between the two countries.
He said this process would go on to establish peace and bring prosperity in the Sub-continent. He also congratulated the people and the government of India on what he called would remain a joyous occasion despite that ugly incident.
The minister said Pakistan itself was a victim of terrorism and was fighting it, adding that we will continue to do so to eliminate the menace.
The Indian High Commissioner earlier said the incident marring a joyous occasion had established that "terrorism knows no borders and it is our common enemy" that must be fought.
However, he said the terrorists must understand that we will not be cowed down, we will not be frightened and we will not be deterred. Mr Pal conveyed condolences on behalf of the Indian government to the kin of the dead and sympathies to those who might have been injured.
Security was tightened outside the hotel where a considerable number of guests, including Pakistani politicians from various cities, turned up for the Indian reception.
