Chicago IL: \'Pakistan, which is the biggest victim of terrorism, has been courageously fighting this menace, and in the process making huge sacrifices, including losing innocent lives\', said Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General of Pakistan at the Vigil Organized by the Lahore Chapter of Chicago Sister City International, in collaboration with Consulate General of Pakistan and Pakistani-American community, at Devon Avenue in Chicago, in the memory of victims of the heinous terror attack that took place on March 27th, 2016 in Lahore\'s crowded Gulshan-I-Iqbal Park resulting in killing of 75 and injuring 340 innocent people.

\'Pakistan, which is a resilient nation, has been ever ready to counter such acts of the forces of evil and bigotry. These dark forces of terrorism would soon be defeated by Pakistani nation\'s resolve to eliminate terrorism and extremism from the country. The people of Pakistan are extremely brave and they would never waver or be deterred insofar as protecting the strategic interest of their homeland is concerned\', said Timizi with a sense of confidence and pride.

Tirmizi added that the security forces of Pakistan have successfully destroyed all the sanctuaries and infrastructure of the terrorists in the north-west and the operation Zarb-e-Azb is on the threshold of fully achieving its cherished goals.

Tirmizi thanked the people and the US officials for their gesture of sympathy, solidarity, and support for the people of Pakistan. \'Pakistan needs and deserves the international community\'s support and understanding in its fight against terrorism, which is aimed at making not only Pakistan but the entire world a safer place. The international community must be together in this fight against terrorism as we belong to one human family\', added Tirmizi.

Dr Tariq Butt, Chair of Lahore Chapter of Chicago Sister City International said that Pakistani-Americans stand firmly with the people of Lahore at this challenging time. \'We pray for their fast recovery from this terrible tragedy\', he added.

The vigil was attended by scores of people from all walks of life. In addition to Pakistani and American community, significant number of US officials, including Mr. Jesse White, Secretary of State showed up at the event. Messages of the Governor Rauce Bruner, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Attorney General Lisa Madigan were read by their special representatives. Dennis Jung, Lisa Kohnke, and Nettie Lasko represented Governor Bruce Rauner, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and Attorney General Lisa Madigan, respectively.

The participants at the vigil unanimously expressed their strong support for the people and Government of Pakistan in their fight against terrorism. They said that the terrorists, who have no faith and religion, are defaming Islam, which is a peaceful religion. \'We condemn the Lahore terror attack and express sympathy and solidarity with the people of Pakistan\', said the participants.

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

Pakistan is committed to eliminate terrorism: Consul General