Pakistan condemned Moscow concert attack that killed 115 people

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif condemned the deadliest Moscow concert hall attack that killed 115 people on March 22, 2023. A gunman opened fire at a performance hall in Crocus City, Moscow which scared the people of Russia.

In a statement condemning the attack in Moscow last night that claimed many lives, PM Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that he strongly condemns the horrible attack in Moscow which happened last night.

I strongly condemn the heinous attack in Moscow last night that has resulted in the loss of many precious lives. My heartfelt condolences to families of the victims. 🇵🇰 stands with Russia 🇷🇺 at this difficult time.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 23, 2024

Besides that, the prime minister sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the dead. Furthermore, he said that Pakistan is with Russia in this difficult time.

The Foreign Office also “strongly condemned” the Moscow concert attack on behalf of Pakistan. Pakistani Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch extended the government’s condolences to the victims’ families.

Mumtaz said they strongly condemn the attack on a concert hall in Moscow. She remarked that Pakistan supports the Russian people and administration during this tough moment.

We strongly condemn the horrendous attack carried out at a concert hall in Moscow. We express our deepest sympathies with the families of the victims. At this difficult hour, we stand in solidarity with the people and Government of the Russian Federation.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 22, 2024

Armed attackers opened fire on concertgoers at the Crocus City Hall on Moscow’s outskirts. It has resulted in the deaths of 115 people and injured more than 100 people. At least 60 of those injured in the attack on Friday are in critical condition.

The gunmen attacked civilians seconds before Soviet-era rock group “Picnic” was scheduled to perform to a full house at the 6,200-seat Crocus City Hall, located west of Russia’s capital.

The terrorist attack, for which the extremist group ISIS has reportedly claimed responsibility. However, Russian authorities are convinced Ukraine is behind the Moscow attack.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said some of the attackers had run towards the Russia-Ukraine border. The FSB also said the attackers had “appropriate contacts” in Ukraine. It did not provide further details.

Some Russian lawmakers also referred to Moscow’s attack on Ukraine without giving evidence. Senior Russian MP Andrey Kartapolov said the main interested party could likely be Ukraine and its supporters. They can’t rule anything out.

⚡️L'Ukraine et ses sponsors devraient être les principaux acteurs de l'attaque terroriste contre l'hôtel de ville de Crocus, a déclaré Andrey Kartapolov, chef du Comité de défense de la Douma d'Etat.
— Big Boss (@ColonelBigBoss) March 23, 2024

Click here to read updates on 7 Indian tourists forced to join the Russian Army to seek government help

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been getting updates on attack details from security authorities, including Alexander Bortnikov, the head of FSB.

In a televised address, Putin stated that they had arrested 11 people including the four gunmen. They tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine. According to early information, Russian detectives spotted a window for suspects on the side of Ukraine to cross the state border.

On the other hand, Ukrainian authorities have strongly denied their involvement in the Moscow attack. Reuters claims Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov said Ukraine has no involvement in the terror incident. Ukraine is defending its sovereignty against Russian invaders, reclaiming its territory, and battling the occupiers’ army and military targets, not civilians.