Pakistani community in Australia remembered Sydney mall stabbing incident victims on Sunday, placing flowers in front of the shopping centre.
A 30-year Pakistani who belonged to Ahmadiyya community was killed in the carnage that happened at Westfield mall in Bondi Junction.
Six people including five women were killed in the knife stabbing attack by a 40-year-old man who is said be a mentally ill. Itinerant Joel Cauchi started attacking people at the busy mall with a sharp blade before a policewoman tracked down and shot him dead. Local police and family of Mr Cauchi confirmed he was mentally sick since the age of 17.
Australian High Commission in Pakistan Neil Hawkins said the Pakistani victim Faraz Tahir was working at the mall as security guard. Mr Tahir had sought the refuse in Australia a year before, reports said.
Australian media reported that a small evening vigil held in front of the mall and people placed flowers there. Australians and around 40 to 50 Pakistanis who lived in the city attended the vigil ceremony.
They prayed for the victims and observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims as many wiped tears.
The Australian Pakistani National Association has expressed solidarity with the families of the victims. The association asked the Ahmadiyya community to stand together in solidarity at the moment of grief and loss. The association also offered prayers for the victims.
Sydney mall centre attack shocked many who were never accustomed to violence as city is famous for its beautiful beaches, restaurants, bars and peaceful environment. The Westfield shopping centre was full of people when the incident occurred, locals said, adding families with kids were busy in shopping and many were enjoying movies and food.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as shocking and horrified while doctors say many among them who were witness to the crime will take time to come to the normal life. Police said the attack was not linked to any terrorism activity.