ISLAMABAD: The horrendous act of terror targeting one of the most popular shrines in Pakistan on Thursday evening shocked the country with the civilian and military leadership pledging everything needed to protect the nation.

Condemning the incident, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said he would do “everything in his power to protect the country”.

“An attack on one of us, is an attack on all. The attack on the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar represents an attack on the progressive, inclusive future of Pakistan; one where every man, woman and child is entitled to life, liberty and property in the pursuit of happiness no matter their religion,” he said in a statement issued by the PM’s media office.

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa promised a quick response.

The Inter-Services Public Relations director general in his tweets quoted the army chief as saying that each drop of nation’s blood shall be revenged immediately.

The prime minister said: “The sufi people predate Pakistan, and formed an important part in the struggle for its formation. Any attack on them, is a direct threat to...Pakistan of [Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali] Jinnah and will be dealt as such.

“The past few days have been hard, and my heart is with the victims. But we can’t let these events divide us, or scare us. We must stand united in this struggle for the Pakistani identity, and universal humanity.

“We have faced tougher circumstances, and still persevered. I will do everything in my power to protect this country...”

The prime minister directed state institutions to mobilise all resources for rescue and relief after the terrorist attack.

All necessary medical services must be provided to the injured, he added.

The army chief appealed to the nation to stay calm. “Your security forces shall not allow hostile powers to succeed. We stand for our nation.”

The ISPR quoted him as saying that recent acts of terrorism were being executed on directions from hostile powers and from sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

“We shall defend and respond. Each drop of nation’s blood shall be revenged, and revenged immediately. No more restraint for anyone,” the COAS said.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, in his statement, strongly condemned the blast in Sehwan Sharif.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives and extended sympathies to the bereaved families.

He also expressed grief over the death of Capt Taha and two sepoys who lost their lives in an IED blast in Awran, Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2017