巴基斯坦恐襲 (ba ji si tan kong xi): Terrorist attack in Pakistan

Terrorist attacks usually refer to acts of violence that are intended to spread fear and panic among the people. Usually, the perpetrators belong to some extremist groups and have religious, political or ideological motives. And normally, they disregard the safety of and/or target unarmed and innocent people, including children, women and aged people.

The dastardly attack on an army-run school in Pakistan's northwest city of Peshawar by Taliban militants on Tuesday afternoon met all the above criteria. But it also exposed the terrorists who attacked the school and the so-called Taliban leaders who planned it as the ultimate cowards, because many of the 141 killed and the more than 200 injured were children who had nothing to do with politics or ideology or, for that matter, the clash between religions and religious sects.

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and vowed to wipe out terrorism from the country. Pakistan will mourn "the loss of the nation" for three days.

The international community joined the Pakistani leaders in wholeheartedly condemning the attack. Leaders from across the world are mourning the lost lives.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent his condolences to the Pakistani people and government, and condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms. Xi said China extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and friends, and deeply sympathizes with the people of Pakistan. China opposes terrorism in all its forms and will continue to firmly support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.