In a statement issued during his ongoing five-day visit to China, President Zardari described the incident as a “heinous form of terrorism” and said it deserved the “strongest possible condemnation.”

He also expressed relief that the US president and First Lady were unharmed during the episode.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply shocked” by the shooting at the event, which was attended by President Trump and other senior officials before being abruptly interrupted.

“Deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, DC,” he wrote on X.

He later expressed relief over the safety of all those present, adding that his thoughts and prayers were with the US president and others affected.