Statement by MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan On Pakistan school attack

Statement by MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan On Pakistan school attack

MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Pakistan and the Pakistani community here in Scarborough and in Canada. Yesterday’s horrific attack on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan reportedly killed 132 innocent children and students, nine staff members and wounded hundreds. We are deeply saddened by this loss of so many young lives and condemn the terrorists’ actions in the strongest terms.

The heinous act of hatred and the disgusting and unspeakable act of terror sends a clear message – extremists fear education and knowledge.

An honourary Canadian citizen, human rights and education activist in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai said in her speech at the UN “…the Taliban and other extremist groups are motivated by fear of equality and the power of education when they attack students, teachers and schools.”

Today, as Canadians, we have to ensure that education prevails everywhere because it is the cure against ignorance, the weapon against extremism and the hope for mankind.

My sincere and deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.