University attack: Vigils pay tribute to victims, masses protest wave of violence

Published January 21, 2016
Political party workers hold a candle light vigil to pay tribute to victims of the attack. ─ APP
Political party workers hold a candle light vigil to pay tribute to victims of the attack. ─ APP
A girl in Peshawar prays for the victims of the Charsadda attack during a candle light vigil. ─ Reuters
A girl in Peshawar prays for the victims of the Charsadda attack during a candle light vigil. ─ Reuters
Members of a student's wing of a political party in Karachi shout slogans protesting the militant attack on Bacha Khan University. ─ AFP
Members of a student's wing of a political party in Karachi shout slogans protesting the militant attack on Bacha Khan University. ─ AFP
Students in Quetta lights candles for victims of the Bacha Khan University attack. ─ AFP
Students in Quetta lights candles for victims of the Bacha Khan University attack. ─ AFP
People in Lahore chant slogans as they hold signs to condemn the militant attack at Bacha Khan University. ─ Reuters
People in Lahore chant slogans as they hold signs to condemn the militant attack at Bacha Khan University. ─ Reuters
Students pray for victims of Bacha Khan University, at a local school in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016. — AP
Students pray for victims of Bacha Khan University, at a local school in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016. — AP
Students pray for victims of Bacha Khan University, at a school in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016. — AP
Students pray for victims of Bacha Khan University, at a school in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016. — AP

Civil society and members of political parties across Pakistan expressed solidarity with victims of the attack on Charsadda's Bacha Khan University by organising protests and vigils in tribute.

Unidentified gunmen entered Bacha Khan University on Wednesday and opened fire on students and faculty members as they gathered at the school for a poetry recital to commemorate the death anniversary of the activist and leader whom the school is named after.

The mastermind of the Army Public School Peshawar attack, Umar Mansoor of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Geedar group, claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 60 people have died in various attacks of terrorism in Pakistan since the year began.

A day of mourning is being observed in the country with flags on official buildings and the parliament flying at half-staff. Police have stepped up security at schools and educational centers across the country.

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