The News Minute | December 16, 2014 | 9.15 pm IST

Pakistan on Tuesday said its people are deeply shocked and grieved by the "despicable" terror attack on a school in Peshawar that left at least 141 people, mostly children, dead and added that the entire nation stands united and resolute in its commitment to eliminate terrorism from the soil of Pakistan.

In a statement, the Pakistan foreign office said that "terrorists have once again shown that they have no regard for human life and no respect for children".

Heavily armed gunmen and suicide bombers attacked an army-run school in Peshawar city in retaliation for the Pakistan Army's operation against extremists in North Waziristan.

The gunmen massacred school children, with many being shot in the head and chest from point blank range, according to reports.

"In this hour of grief, our hearts go out to the families of these young children who embraced shahadat today," the foreign office statement said.

"Such cold blooded cowardly acts cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan, the Government, and the Armed forces, to combat all terrorists. These terrorists are enemies of Pakistan, enemies of Islam and enemies of humanity.

"We pay our homage to our brave soldiers who are engaged in a valiant effort to root out terrorism from the country.

"The Pakistani nation stands united in condemning this heinous crime and remains resolute in its commitment to eliminate terrorism from the soil of Pakistan. Success will Inshallah be of our brave and indomitable people," the statement said.

With IANS