ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response over the tragic incident in which a Muslim family was crushed to death by a fanatic. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Wendy Gilmour to discuss the issue.
“They discussed the tragic incidents involving a Pakistani-origin family in Canada and issues of mutual interest, including the growing trend of Islamophobia,” said a foreign ministry statement.
Qureshi said Pakistanis were deeply saddened by the tragic incident that happened to a family of Pakistani origin in Canada. He said the killing of a Pakistani-origin family in Canada was a clear example of Islamophobia and terrorism. He said Pakistanis welcome the positive response of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in this regard.
FM Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan and he himself, as Foreign Minister, had been speaking out against the growing trend of Islamophobia internationally.
He said there was an urgent need for effective global action on Islamophobia. The Canadian High Commissioner expressed regret over the tragic incident and assured full investigation into the incident and stern action against those responsible.
The Canadian envoy also briefed the Foreign Minister on the condemnatory statements made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Rob Ford of Ontario following this tragic incident. Earlier, Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed his concerns over the killing of a Pakistan origin family in Canada.
In a statement, he termed it an act of terrorism and a big tragedy. Qureshi asked the Canadian Prime Minister to play his role to ensure the protection of Muslims in the country. Meanwhile, Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said Pakistan strongly “condemns 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.”
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 were brought to justice.
“Our Consul General in Toronto also visited the family of the deceased to offer sympathies and condolences and all possible assistance,” he added.
He said this tragic incident was yet another manifestation of the systematic rise in Islamophobia”. The Canadian Prime Minister has stated that Islamophobia has no place in any of their communities. Events like these further reinforce the imperative for the international community to work together for interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence,” the spokesperson said.