Earlier today Conservative Senator Salma Ataullahjan visited the site of the terrorist attack at Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, Pakistan, where just yesterday 21 people were brutally killed and as many as 35 were injured. Of those that lost their lives in this violent incident, most were young, keen students about to attend class.
The day of the attack marked the anniversary of the death of Bacha Khan, the University’s namesake. Students were reportedly gathering to hold a memorial in his honour. Bacha Khan, also known as Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, the Frontier Gandhi, was a famous leader in the non-violent pacifist movement, and was also Senator Ataullahjan’s great grand uncle.
During her visit at the University she was escorted by Vice Chancellor Dr. Fazal-ur-Raheem Marwat and spoke to security staff and teachers. “Saw horrific scenes of carnage at Bacha Khan university,” she tweeted.
Senator Ataullahjan condemned the attack saying: “I am profoundly saddened to see that yet another one of Pakistan’s educational institutions and innocent students have been targeted by ruthless terrorists.” It just over a year ago that Taliban gunmen attacked a school in Peshawar killing over 140 people including 137 children. “It is appalling that this kind of violence is reoccurring like this. Students should not have to go to school fearing for their lives, they need and deserve the freedom to think and to learn. It is apparent that this latest school was targeted because it stands for peace and education. Attacks like these need to stop,” Ataullahjan said.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistani has claimed responsibility. Yesterday they released a video vowing more attacks on Pakistani universities.
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