New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern visits Muslim community, shows solidarity

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Saturday visited the Muslim community here and condoled the deaths of 49 people who were martyred by right-wing terrorist a day ago, ARY News reported.

Ms Ardern, clad in a black shalwar kameez with a dopatta on her head, addressed a gathering of the local Muslim community and paid her condolences.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms Ardern said that New Zealand was united in the time of grief.

“New Zealand is united in grief; I convey that message of love and support on behalf of New Zealand to all of you”, she said.

Read More: Six Pakistanis martyred in Christchurch attack, three missing: Foreign Office

She further said that this act of terror was “not New Zealand”. “This act of terror was brought to our shores”, she said.

Later, Ms Ardern also visited the local hospitals to inquire after the people who were injured in Friday’s terror attack.

Prime Minister Ardern has stressed that families that lost a loved one — particularly if he/she was a breadwinner — would be provided financial support by the government.

She also told that out of total 48 injured people, 39 were still in hospitals with 11 in intensive care.