World leaders express 'solidarity' with Brussels after terror strikes

Published March 22, 2016
Rescue teams evacuate wounded people outside the Maalbeek metro station in Brussels on March 21, 2016 after a blast at this station located near EU institutions. ─ AFP
Rescue teams evacuate wounded people outside the Maalbeek metro station in Brussels on March 21, 2016 after a blast at this station located near EU institutions. ─ AFP

In the aftermath of the multiple explosions on Brussels' airport and subway station which killed at least 28 and injured dozens Tuesday morning, governments and leaders spoke out in sympathy and condemned the attacks.

In solidarity, the Pakistani embassy in Brussels also cancelled scheduled celebrations for Pakistan Day on March 23.

Explosions, at least one likely caused by a suicide bomber, prompted a lockdown in the Belgian capital and heightened security across Europe.

Belgian premier Charles Michel condemned the attacks after coordinating a city-wide emergency response plan with the interior ministry.

The European Union Parliament ─ just down the street from the Maalbek station where the third blast occurred ─ also posted an update.

French President Francois Hollande held an emergency meeting after the explosions and expressed his "full solidarity" with the Belgian people, saying all of Europe has been hit by the attack on Brussels.

The mayor of Paris also tweeted to express her full solidarity with the people of Brussels and announce that the Eiffel Tower will be lit in the colours of the Belgian flag.

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani also condemned the attack, while Indian prime minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered his condolences.

In an official statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “I am outraged and deeply saddened by the news that so many have been killed and injured in terrorist attacks targeting the people of Brussels, Belgium. He also tweeted,

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...