Islamabad/Toronto: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday denounced the killing of 4 members of a Pakistani-origin household in Canada, saying this “act of terrorism” reveals the rising “Islamophobia” in Western nations. On Sunday, a 20-year-old man, carrying a vest like physique armour, slammed a pickup truck right into a Pakistani household of 5, killing 4 of them, in what police allege was “a planned, premeditated act motivated by hate”, in line with the reviews in the Canadian media.
The incident occurred close to the intersection of Hyde Park Road and South Carriage Road when the Muslim household was out for a stroll in the night, the Toronto Star reported. A black pickup truck pushed by Nathaniel Veltman mounted the curb of a busy London intersection and struck the household of 5 as they waited to cross the road. The driver sped off, leaving a scene of chaos and tragedy, the report stated.
Veltman was arrested 5 minutes later, seven kilometres away from the scene. Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Khan tweeted, “Saddened to learn of the killing of a Muslim Pakistani-origin Canadian family in London, Ontario. This condemnable act of terrorism reveals the growing Islamophobia in Western countries. Islamophobia needs to be countered holistically by the international community.” Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi additionally took to Twitter to sentence the incident, saying three generations of Pakistani-Canadians had been killed for his or her religion.
“3 generations of Pakistani-Canadians were killed in a brutal act of mass murder for their Muslim faith. This is an act of terror rooted in unspeakable hatred & Islamophobia. Extend our deepest sympathy to the family members & pray for the recovery of the only survivor; a little boy,” he tweeted. The Pakistan Foreign Office stated in a separate assertion this tragic incident was one more manifestation of the systematic rise in Islamophobia.
“We strongly condemn the Islamophobic incident that resulted in the tragic death of four family members of Pakistani origin, in London, Ontario. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, it said. The Foreign office said that the High Commission for Pakistan in Ottawa and the Consulate General in Toronto were in close contact with the relevant Canadian authorities to ascertain the facts of the case and to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act were brought to justice.
“Our Consul General in Toronto additionally visited the household of the deceased to supply sympathies and condolences and all doable help, it stated. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that he was horrified by the assault. To the family members of those that have been terrorised by yesterday’s act of hatred, we’re right here for you, he stated, singling out the nine-year-old in hospital.
To the Muslim group in London and to Muslims throughout the nation, know that we stand with you. Islamophobia has no place in any of our communities. This hate is insidious and despicable and it should cease, he added. Pakistan’s Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry advised the media that Prime Minister Khan, whereas chairing a Cabinet assembly, warned of rising Islamophobia in the west.
Detective Superintendent at London Police Service Paul Waight stated that the investigators consider that this was an intentional act and that the victims have been focused as a result of of their Islamic religion.” There is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate.Just hours into the investigation, police called the deaths both horrific and intentional Waight also said that the suspect wore a vest similar to body armour during the incident on Sunday and that potential terrorism charges are being considered, the CTV News reported.
London police will be working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on possible terrorism charges, Waight told reporters.
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