ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday extended his condolences to the French for the lives lost during the coordinated Nov 13 terrorist attacks which hit parts of Paris.

Asif wrote a message in a condolence book at the French Embassy in Islamabad and observed a minute of silence alongside the staff in honour of the victims of the attack. French Ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance looked on as the Defence Minister added his condolences to the book.

French ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance (R) watches as Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif writes a message in a condolence book at the French Embassy in Islamabad. ─ AFP
French ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance (R) watches as Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif writes a message in a condolence book at the French Embassy in Islamabad. ─ AFP

At least 129 people were killed in the attacks claimed by the self-styled Islamic State group in the French capital. Gunmen and suicide bombers attacked various locations, including a concert hall, restaurants and the national stadium.

Pakistan had earlier "strongly" condemned the attacks and reiterated its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

"We stand with them in their hour of grief," the Foreign Office said in an earlier statement.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Ghalib Iqbal had said there were no Pakistanis among those killed or injured in the attacks.

In an apparent reference to the deadly terrorist attacks, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said on Sunday that the recent incidents of terrorism may lead to problems for overseas Pakistanis.

The French ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance (C), Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (C-L) and staff members attend a minute of silence in tribute to the victims. ─ AFP
The French ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance (C), Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif (C-L) and staff members attend a minute of silence in tribute to the victims. ─ AFP

After the attacks, France launched "massive" air strikes on the IS group's de facto capital in Syria Sunday night, destroying a militant training camp and a munitions dump in the city of Raqqa in Syria, where Iraqi intelligence officials say the attacks on Paris were planned.

French police have already announced seven arrests and hunted for more members of the sleeper cell that carried out the attacks.

Opinion

Editorial

Delicate balance
Updated 13 Mar, 2026

Delicate balance

PAKISTAN has to maintain a delicate balance where the geopolitics of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran are...
Soaring costs
13 Mar, 2026

Soaring costs

FOR millions of households already grappling with Ramazan inflation, the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices...
Perilous lines
13 Mar, 2026

Perilous lines

THE law minister’s veiled warning to the media to “exercise caution” and not cross “red lines” while...
Collective security
Updated 12 Mar, 2026

Collective security

Regional states need to sit down and talk. They must also pledge and work towards collective security.
Spectrum leap
12 Mar, 2026

Spectrum leap

THE sale of 480 MHz of fifth-generation telecom spectrum for $507m is a major milestone in Pakistan’s digital...
Toxic fallout
12 Mar, 2026

Toxic fallout

WARS can leave environmental scars that remain long after the fighting is over. The strikes on Iran’s oil...