Leaders offer condolences over Pakistan school attack

BEIJING -- Chinese leaders extended condolences over a terrorist attack on a school in Pakistan that killed at least 141 people.

President Xi Jinping said in a message to Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain that he was shocked after learning of the grave terror attack in Peshawar, Pakistan.

In his own name and on behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed deep condolences to the victims as well as sympathy and solicitude to those injured and family members of victims.

He stressed that China opposes any form of terrorism and strongly condemns this inhuman terror attack, noting China firmly supports the Pakistani government's efforts to fight terrorism.

In a message to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Premier Li Keqiang said he was shocked by the news of the attack and the fact that many of the killed were children.

"I extend my condolences to you and the Pakistani government, and through you, to the Pakistani people," said Li. He also mourned the dead.

Noting that both China and Pakistan are victims of terrorism, Li said China will continue to support the Pakistani government and people in their efforts to fight terrorism and safeguard security and stability.

The Pakistani army said late Tuesday that an army-run public school in Pakistan's northwest city of Peshawar was attacked by militants on Tuesday, and a total of 141 people, including 132 students, were killed and 133 others injured so far.

A man lights candles to mourn the victims from the Army Public School in Peshawar, which was attack by Taliban gunmen, in Karachi, December 16, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]