Terrorism has No Religion or Faith, Says Pakistan Diplomat to India Abdul Basit

By Julie Brown Patton
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit. PHOTO: AFP

Countries should transcend biases to fight terrorism, because terrorism has no religion and faith, proclaimed Abdul Basit, Pakistan's high commissioner to India, on Wednesday while speaking at an event to mark the first anniversary of the Army Public School attack in Peshawar.

Seven gunmen affiliated to the Tehrik-i-Taliban attacked the Army Public School last year, killing at least 148.

Basit said terrorism was a global phenomenon that could not be defeated through "half-baked strategies,"  as reported by The Times of India.

He said the international community should understand his country's pain as it hurts when Pakistan is painted by some with closed eyes. "No other country has suffered so much from violent extremism than Pakistan," he added.

"Terrorism is a global, regional, national and local phenomenon; it could not be defeated through incoherent strategies. We must transcend our individual and collective biases to eliminate terrorism and ensure that this menace does not resurface anywhere in the world," Basit said.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued condolences regarding the anniversary of the attack on Dec. 15, saying the United States underscores condemnation of that "cowardly act of mass murder."

Kerry said he the opportunity last summer to meet some of the students who survived that tragic day at Army Public School. "They are a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Pakistani nation, and a reminder of how important it is that good and decent people everywhere unite in opposition to terrorism and to the poisonous ideology that fuels it," he said.

"On this solemn anniversary, the United States reaffirms our determination to stand with the Pakistani people, and people everywhere, in countering violent extremism and in building a secure and prosperous future for all our citizens."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo