ISLAMABAD, Apr. 27: While strongly condemning the terrorist attack on a shuttle passenger van of the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi, Pakistani political leaders said such terrorist acts can’t undermine the strategic relations between the two brotherly neighboring countries.

According to Gwadar Pro, leaders of different political parties expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the deceased souls.

“I am deeply grieved on the loss of precious lives including our Chinese friends in the heinous attack in Karachi today. My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. I strongly condemn this cowardly act of terrorism. The perpetrators will surely be brought to justice,” wrote Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a message posted on his official Twitter account.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar said she was “shocked and saddened at the loss of innocent lives in a cowardly terrorist attack in Karachi.” “I offer my deepest condolences to the Chinese government, people and families of the victims,” she added.

Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistani diplomat and political scientist, tweeted, “terrible attack in Karachi claimed the lives of Pakistani and Chinese nationals. Condolences and Duas for the families who lost their loved ones. This effort to sabotage Pak-China relations is doomed to fail”.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the blast and expressed condolences on behalf of the people of Pakistan to the people of China.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Subzwari while expressing grief over the death of the Chinese nationals said that it was testing times as “enemies of Pakistan are targeting our Forces & Friends from Borders to Karachi. We must continue to work for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan in order to defeat them.”.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly condemned the suicide attack and expressed sympathies with the victims and their families. “The Government should make full preparations for the safety of foreigners, especially the Chinese people,” he said.

Senator Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that there was a need for a national narrative on counter insurgency in Balochistan. “If such a narrative is not formulated, then we will not be able to win against terror groups,” Mr. Bugti stated.