ISLAMABAD: To mark the 20th anniversary of Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the people and government of Pakistan reiterated their strong condemnation of the terror strikes and prayed for those who lost their lives.

In a statement, the foreign ministry expressed sympathy for the victims’ families.

While especially honouring the memories of the victims of the 2001 attacks, the foreign ministry also paid tribute to all victims of terrorism around the world.

“The events of 11 September 2001 remind us of the dangers the world confronts in the form of terrorism and its devastating effects. Over the last two decades, the international community has fought together against terrorism. However, the complex challenges posed by terrorism call for further strengthening international resolve and unity and to prevent and counter this menace, in all its forms and manifestations, including state-terrorism against people living under foreign occupation in disputed territories. It is also imperative to comprehensively address the root causes of terrorism,” it said.

The statement, issued by the office of the FO spokesman, says terrorism has no justification. Any attempts to associate terrorism with any particular people, nationality, civilisation, religion, race or ethnicity are condemnable.

According to the statement, Pakistan has been an active partner of the international community in the global fight against terrorism over the last two decades.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2021