OIC condemns attack on Pakistan Stock Exchange

This undated file photo shows the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) building in Jeddah. (SPA/File)

• OIC secretary general offers support for Pakistan counterterrorism fight
• Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for Monday’s PSX assault 

ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the deadly attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi that killed eight people on Monday.
In a video message on Tuesday, OIC secretary general Yousef Al-Othaimeen offered support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and reiterated the organization’s “firm position in rejecting terrorism, extremism and violence in all forms and manifestations.”
He also expressed his condolences during an online meeting with Pakistani President Dr. Arif Alvi.
Eight people, including four attackers, have died and seven others were injured during the PSX assault.
The attackers opened fire and threw a hand grenade to break into the stock exchange compound. They did not make it to the PSX building and were killed within minutes of the assault, security forces confirmed.
Trading at the Karachi bourse continued uninterrupted during the day, and despite the attack Pakistan was among Asia’s best performing markets on Monday.
The banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the assault. 
Pakistan designated BLA as a terrorist organization in 2006.