Nawaz Sharif left for Peshawar to monitor the operation [2][3] and announced a three-day mourning period during which the National Flag would fly at half mast.
[14] Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai condemned the attack, saying in a statement: "I am heartbroken by this senseless and cold-blooded act of terror in Peshawar that is unfolding before us".
"[21] Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said "Nowhere in the world should it be an act of bravery for a child to attend school.
In recent years, my staff have been receiving increasing frequent reports in these three countries of schools being destroyed or closed because of militants' threats, and of schoolchildren – especially girls – being kidnapped, shot, attacked with acid or poisoned by groups whose ideology bears no resemblance to any religion or any cultural norm.
"Kingdom of Bahrain affirmed full support to Pakistan in confronting and defeating terrorist groups, and offered condolences to the Pakistani Government, people and relatives of the victims of the barbaric act."
[29] China — Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang in a statement said "We are deeply shocked and grieved by the attack and condemn in the strongest terms the terrorists.
China will continue to firmly support the unremitting Pakistani efforts to fight terrorism, safeguard national stability and save people's lives.
[31] China's Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong condemned the attack and reiterated "Chinese cooperation and firm support for eliminating the menace of terrorism from the country.
we strongly condemn inhumane attacks on innocent students and educators and we express our deep condolences to the families of the victims and our support for the people and the Government of Pakistan.
[50] Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham in a press conference said "This is a totally un-Islamic and inhumane action," adding that terrorism, extremism and putting innocent people's lives at risk in any form and with any purpose are reprehensible.
The senseless killing and attack on school children by the perpetrators, for whatever reason, is uncalled for and inhumane in nature....We are ready to support Pakistan in their peace building efforts as Malaysia continues to promote the moderation agenda and mediation approach".
[69] South Korea — Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and release a press release which reads " The Government of the Republic of Korea cannot but be shocked and outraged over the terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan on December 16 that left a large number of people, including school children, killed or injured.
"I have learnt with deepest shock and sorrow of the attack at the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, on 16 December 2014, which claimed the lives of innocent schoolchildren and teachers.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Thailand, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Your Excellency and, through you, to the grieving families who lost loved ones as a result of this barbaric and unjustifiable act.
[73] Tajikistan — President Emomali Rahmon condemned the attack and sent a condolence letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif which reads "Deeply convinced that this terrible event, which once again has shown the world community cowardly face of international terrorism, strengthens our will to continue the relentless fight against this shameful phenomenon of the century and will give impetus to international cooperation in preventing violence and extremism.
[74] Foreign Ministry issued a statement which reads "The attack in Peshawar, which aimed at disrupting the country's domestic peace and security, caused deep sadness in Turkey.
"[75] United Arab Emirates — Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan condemned the attack on behalf of Government of United Arab Emirates saying "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 the Allah the Almighty to bless the young and innocent victims of heinous malice, perpetual hatred and dark violence.
Foreign Ministry issued a statement which reads "Vietnam conveys deep condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Pakistan, the families of victims and believes that the instigators will be punished appropriately soon.
"[77] Algeria — Spokesman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press statement condemned the attack and said "We express our indignation at this heinous and barbaric crime, which cannot be justified under any circumstances.
[85] Belgium — Foreign Minister Didier Reynders strongly condemned the attack and offered condolences to victims saying "These are acts of utmost cruelty that touch the core of a society and negate the most basic human rights.
"[86] Bulgaria — Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and issued a statement saying "We reaffirm our strong support of the efforts of the international community for eradication of all forms of terrorism and remain committed to the furthering of the EU-Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue.
"[88] Georgia — Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack in a press statement and said "We are shocked with the extent of the tragedy and barbarity committed by the terrorists, which is a grave crime against the entire civilized world.
"[92] Italy — Prime Minister Matteo Renzi condemned the attack on his Twitter account, saying "Killing children at school is an inconceivable horror, the world must react to this violence.
Latvia supports the efforts of the Pakistani authorities that are aimed at ensuring peace and stability at home and in the region, and are based on national interests and international cooperation.
[95] King Harald V offered condolences to the Pakistani President in a message saying that "I was shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of so many young lives at the Army Public School in Peshawar.
We expressed our sincere condolences to the families and close ones of the victims of the attack in Peshawar and to the people of Pakistan] who can count on our solidarity in these difficult moments" the statement reads.
[61] The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attacks, and added: "We support the measures undertaken by the Government of Pakistan aimed at the extermination of the hotbeds of terrorism.
[101] Spain — President of the Government Mariano Rajoy sent condolences to the Prime Minister of Pakistan in the name of the Spanish people: "I cannot imagine a more disgusting terrorist act on human dignity.
"[106] Australia — Prime Minister Tony Abbott in a statement said "It is impossible to put into words the mixture of grief and fury that must be felt by people in Pakistan, and indeed around the world, at this latest terrorist atrocity in Peshawar.
"[107][108] Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop issued an official statement saying that Australia and Pakistan "share a common sense of grief and outrage at this senseless attack.