Glasgow's Lord Provost sends city's condolences to Lahore

Lord Provost's statement following Lahore tragedy:

Glasgow's Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: "It is with profound sadness I send this city's condolences to Mayor Khawaja Ahmad Hassan of our twin city of Lahore in Pakistan. My thoughts and prayers, and those of our citizens, are with the bereaved and everyone affected by the Easter Sunday bombing."

The Pakistani flag will be flown at half-mast from the City Chambers today (Tuesday 29 March 2016).

Councillor Frank McAveety met the Consul General of Pakistan at the Consulate in Glasgow today to sign a book of condolence and offer his support on behalf of the people of Glasgow.

In a letter to the Consul General, Cllr McAveety said: "Can I first express my sadness and despair that the writing of this letter is necessary.

"Glasgow and Lahore are cities that are not just joined by civic agreement but also by business, family ties and friendship. As the Leader of the City Council I write with great sadness to offer you, the people of Lahore and the people of Pakistan our deepest condolences after the terrible events of Sunday.

"To mark the unity that exists between our peoples the national flag of Pakistan will be flown in tribute from the City Chambers from today. On Thursday the Lord Provost will ask all members of our Council to stand in silence as a mark of solidarity and condolence with our brothers and sisters in Lahore.

"Children playing on a Sunday afternoon in the park are the very definition of innocence. While we may never be able to understand the motivations of those who are capable of such cowardly acts of senseless violence, we must do everything we can to protect our cities from their intolerance.

"Glasgow stands shoulder to shoulder with you and the people of Lahore and Pakistan during this terrible time and please be assured that my office and Glasgow City Council stands ready to provide any assistance we can offer in your time of need."