KARACHI: Nothing can justify the brutality of targeting innocents and defenceless civilians, including women and children, said Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah on Friday.

He made these observations while talking to those injured in the blast at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine on Thursday evening.

Some of the injured were brought to Pakistan Navy’s Shifa hospital in Karachi for treatment. More than 80 people were killed and over 200 injured in a suicide bombing in the Sufi saint’s mazaar.

Admiral Zakaullah visited the hospital to express solidarity with the injured and extend solace to the victims of the blast.

He said: “In this hour of tragedy, the officers, men and civilians of the Pakistan Navy stood firm with the nation, particularly with the aggrieved families.”

He told the hospital’s medical staff to provide medical treatment and services to the injured to the best of their abilities.

The naval chief also att­ended the funeral of Captain Taha, who lost his life in the Awaran blast. Admiral Zak­a­ullah also met the father of the deceased and paid tribute to his great sacrifice.

Senior naval officials along with a large number of civil and military personnel also attended the funeral.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2017