PM Nawaz condemns Manchester blast, calls for concerted efforts against terrorism

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Tuesday strongly condemned the blast in Manchester, England in which precious lives were lost.

While condoling with the families of those who lost their loved ones, the PM said elimination of terrorism requires concerted efforts and any such act targeted towards innocent people was highly condemnable, a statement from PM's Media Office said.

"Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Government and people of United Kingdom against all forms of terrorism," the APP quoted Prime Minister.

Earlier, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said, “Pakistan stands in solidarity with the British public and government in this hour of grief."

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected,” the statement added.

Zakaria said that Pakistan itself has been a victim of terrorism and slammed terrorism in its all forms and manifestations.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 50 injured after an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert in a crowded Manchester concert hall, which left hundreds of people fleeing in terror.

BBC quoted Greater Manchester Police as saying, "the lone male attacker, who died in the blast, was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated".