MONTREAL – The Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar, Pakistan has sparked a social media trend beyond borders.
Many Facebook and Twitter users have rallied together and are changing their profile pictures to a black photo, declaring today ‘Black Day’ as the world mourns the loss of 141 people, mostly children.
“As a Canadian student of Pakistani decent, I find social media the closest tool that allows me to express my emotions towards this senseless attack, and it allows me to connect with my roots at a level that would otherwise not be expressed,” said Haseeb Khan, a Montreal resident.
“Pakistan is truly a beautiful country going through a very rough day, and my thoughts and prayers are with Pakistan.”
“Showing solidarity with the fallen reminds me of my privilege,” said Azam Mahmood.
“It reminds me that, even though I grew up in Pakistan, I didn’t live the life that an overwhelming majority of Pakistanis live.”
“Even though we are limited geographically, spreading awareness via social media allows us to unite, condemn such actions, and convey our prayers to the victims and their respective families,” wrote Sara Ghani.
“On a global level it allows people to do what they can do, to change the world.”
A vigil is being planned in Montreal, outside the Pakistani Consulate on Wednesday.
Organizer, Syed Kazim Raza told Global News he woke up in Montreal to the tragic news on Social media.
“I realized the importance of the nation being united at this time. Putting up the black profile picture was an act of showing our solidarity to the innocent lives lost in Peshawar. It also serves the purpose of raising awareness on such barbaric acts and how the world needs to get together and fight terrorism all around the world.”
A commemoration for the victims will also be held in Toronto on Thursday night.
Reactions from public figures around the world also continue to pour in. Here are just a few of them.
“I think it’s hard for any of us as rational and compassionate people to understand terrorism, to understand why people would want, in the name of some political cause, to simply terrorize, hurt kill innocent people, whole sections of society.”
-Prime Minister Stephen Harper
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“I am heartbroken by this senseless and cold blooded act of terror in Peshawar that is unfolding before us. Innocent children in their school have no place in horror such as this. I condemn these atrocious and cowardly acts and stand united with the government and armed forces of Pakistan whose efforts so far to address this horrific event are commendable. I, along with millions of others around the world, mourn these children, my brothers and sisters – but we will never be defeated.”
– Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai.
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“The government together with the army has started Zarb-e-Azb and it will continue until the terrorism is rooted out from our land. We also have had discussions with Afghanistan that they and we together fight this terrorism, and this fight will continue. No one should have any doubt about it. ”
– Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Peshawar. Zarb-e-Azb is the name of the Pakistani military operation being carried out in North Waziristan.
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“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s horrific attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones. By targeting students and teachers in this heinous attack, terrorists have once again shown their depravity. We stand with the people of Pakistan, and reiterate the commitment of the United States to support the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and to promote peace and stability in the region.”
– U.S. President Barack Obama.
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“The scale of what has happened in Pakistan simply defies belief. It is a dark, dark day for humanity when something on this scale happens with no justification. There is not a belief system in the world that can justify such an act. I think what this shows is the worldwide threat that is posed by this poisonous ideology of extremist Islamist terrorism. It is nothing to do with one of the world’s great religions – Islam, which is a religion of peace. This is a perversion.”
– British Prime Minister David Cameron.
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“On October 9, 2012, the Taliban attempted to silence one girl who dared to confront them, and stifle her future. They failed miserably. In the moments that follow such harrowing tragedy, we hope that the resolve and the dignity of innocent Pakistani people will see more children like Malala Yousafzai emerge to carry the torch forward for more education, free from violence or intimidation.”
– Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird.
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“No cause can justify such brutality. No grievance can excuse such horror. It is an act of horror and rank cowardice to attack defenceless children while they learn. Schools must be safe and secure learning spaces. Getting an education is every child’s right. Going to school should not have to be an act of bravery.” – U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
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