Terming the attack on mosques as an ‘intelligence failure’, the Pakistani envoy said it is an unprecedented terrorist act in the country.
He further said over 20,000 Pakistani live in New Zealand. Following the attack, he said, “The high commission is in contacts with the Pakistani community.”
The effected mosques in Christ Church city were established in 1960 and at the time of shooting, about 300 people were inside the place, Malik said.
Earlier today, attacks on two Christchurch mosques left at least 40 dead, with one gunman — identified as an Australian extremist — apparently live streaming the assault that triggered the lock-down of the New Zealand city.
The two known targets were the Masjid al Noor in central Christchurch, and a second mosque in suburban Linwood.
“This is one of New Zealand’s darkest days,” said Australian Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. “Clearly what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.”
