Mourning for the Terror Victims at Bacha Khan University in Pakistan

20. January 2016

German universities have reacted with horror to the terrorist attack that took place today at Bacha Khan University in the Pakistani city of Charsadda. According to media reports, more than 20 people were killed.

Prof. Dr. Horst Hippler, the President of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), offered his deepest condolences to the university and to the friends and families of the victims.

"Attacks on universities and schools are always also attacks on human rights and on free thinking," he said. "Places of learning are central to democratic societies. Their research and teaching ensure progress and they are places for dialogue and communication. Those who commit murder at universities and schools attack the ability of whole nations to move forward into the future."

Professor Hippler called upon the academic community to demonstrate its solidarity with universities in crisis-torn regions of the world under the threat of terror.