Outstanding High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri plays crucial diplomatic role amid horrific attack at Bondi Junction

Canberra: Pakistani High Commissioner to Australia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri this week played a crucial diplomatic role amid a horrific attack at Bondi Junction by a man who went on a stabbing spree.

The outstanding diplomat kept his home country updated about the event as there were reports of Pakistani victims in the incident.

“The victims of horrific attacks at Bondi Junction, Sydney included a Pakistani citizen who lost his life while saving the others. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family. We are working with the family for reparation of his mortal remains to Pakistan,” Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri posted on X.

He added: “Another Pakistani citizen got injured during the horrific attacks. He is hospitalised but is in a stable condition. We pray for his fast and full recovery.”

The envoy said he was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the terrible and tragic events at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he added.

At least six people were killed and numerous others injured, including some in critical condition, after a man went on a stabbing spree at a Westfield shopping centre in the Sydney suburb of Bondi Junction.

The attacker was shot dead after being chased by a lone police officer who was on duty on an unrelated matter.

The injured include a nine-month-old baby. The baby’s mother, killed by the attacker, has been widely named by Australian media as Ash Good, aged 38.

The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, condemned what he called a “horrific act of violence” but said the officer was a “hero” and praised first responders and bystanders who rushed into danger to help victims.

“There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action,” Albanese said in Canberra on Saturday evening. “And it is a reminder that those people who wear uniform are people who rush to danger, not away from it.

“This was a horrific act of violence indiscriminately targeted at the innocent people going about an ordinary Saturday, doing their shopping.”