Pakistan has strongly condemned the Islamophobic attack in Ontario, Canada killing four and injuring one other.
In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has denounced the hate-motivated Islamophobic car attack against Pakistani-origin Muslim family.
“We strongly condemn the Islamophobic incident that resulted in the tragic death of four family members of Pakistani origin, in London, Ontario. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” read the MoFA press-release.
The High Commission for Pakistan in Ottawa and the Consulate General in Toronto are in close contact with the relevant Canadian authorities to ascertain the facts of the case and to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice, it added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Consul General in Toronto also visited the family of the deceased to offer sympathies and condolences and all possible assistance.
Addressing the issue of growing Islamophobia in the west, Pakistan has highlighted that events like these further reinforce the imperative for the international community to work together for interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
It is to be noted that four people belonging from a Pakistani-origin Muslim family have been killed after a pickup truck ran over them after the driver identified the group as ‘Muslims’ and intentionally rammed them.
The deceased have been identified as Syed Afzaal – 46, his wife Madiha Salman – 44, their 15-year-old daughter Yumnah Afzaal and Syed Afzaal’s 74-year-old mother.
Meanwhile, Faez Afzaal – 9, the only surviving member of the family is in hospital and is being treated for severe but non-lethal injuries.
Canadian authorities have termed the incident as ‘hate motivated’ and have arrested Nathaniel Veltman who ploughed his pickup truck into the Afzaal family members.
Both Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and his Pakistani counterpart PM Imran Khan have conveyed their condolences and expressed solidarity with Canada’s Muslim community.
