Abu Dhabi: The UAE has denounced the cowardly act of terror which targeted a school in the city of Peshawar in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and claimed the lives of 141 citizens, including 132 children.

General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forcessaid: "In this painful and difficult moment, we stand by Pakistan and its people in the face of this blind extremism and criminal terrorism and ask Allah Almighty to bless the young and innocent victims of heinous malice, perpetual hatred and dark violence.”

"As we pray for the souls of innocent children, we ask Allah the Almighty to grant solace and strength to their parents, families and to the people of friendly Pakistan."

Sheikh Mohamed went on to say such despicable acts "strengthen our resolute and firm position against extremism and terrorism because we are well aware that those criminal hands know no limits, mercy, law or religion. We are more convinced now that confronting terrorism is a collective responsibility that requires decisiveness."

"As we stand, as we always have, by the government and people of Pakistan, we learn from this deplorable crime that our war against terrorism is our way to guarantee saving lives, maintaining communities and enhancing peace and to eradicate a plague that is aimed at tarnishing our religion of Islam, which is founded on tolerance and love and which is a reflection of our humanity and identity."