A CITY councillor has flown to Pakistan after two of his relatives were killed in a school massacre.

Southside Central councillor Jahangir Hanif’s two nephews each lost a son – one thought to be 15, the other thought to be 16 – after Taliban gunmen stormed the Army Public School in Peshawar on Tuesday.

Mr Hanif flew to Pakistan last night to be with his family.

A candlelight vigil was held in Glasgow to remember the 132 children and nine teachers killed in the shooting spree.

First Minister and Glasgow Southside MSP Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am deeply saddened by this devastating news. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Cllr Hanif and his family at what is a time of terrible sadness.

“I have been in touch with the Hanif family to express my condolences and we understand Cllr Hanif is now on his way to Pakistan to be with his family.

“It is now right that the family is given the space they need to grieve for the loss of their much-loved children.”

Other politicians expressed their condolences.

SNP MSP Humza Yousaf, Minister for Europe and International Development, told the Evening Times: “I grew up knowing Cllr Hanif as a young boy.

"This news is absolutely devastating.

"When you see, on your television, this kind of terrorism you do not think that it will affect people here in Glasgow.

“I have spoken to the community and everyone feels it is utterly heartbreaking.

“I have spoken to the Hanif family and I have given them my condolences.

"Anything the Scottish government can do to help will be offered to them.”

Muhammed Shoaib, secretary general of Pakistan Welfare Trust, said: “My thoughts are with the family who are very sad and heartbroken.

“This is a dark day for all humans.”

Politicians and campaigners across the globe have criticised the Pakistani Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the attack.

Three days of mourning have begun in Pakistan, as funerals continue.

Last night’s vigil, at the Consulate General of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Maxwell Drive, was attended by hundreds of people.

Consul General Syed Ahsan Shah said he believes the huge support given to the Pakistani community from Scots is linked to a similar tragic event experienced by the country, the Dunblane school massacre.

Gunman Thomas Hamilton killed 16 children and a teacher at Dunblane Primary before committing suicide on March 13, 1996.

Mr Shah said: “It is really quite overwhelming for us.

“I think people from Scotland really understand after the attack that happened in Dunblane many years ago. 

“Hundreds of people came to the vigil and there were hundreds of candles.

“It was not just Pakistani people – we had Scots men and women.

“What makes it really special is the people of Scotland and the people of Glasgow came out and gave everyone so much support.”

Ms Sturgeon said: “Scotland stands with the people of Pakistan as they try come to terms with these tragic events and they — together with the Pakistani community here in Scotland — have our full support as they seek to move forward.”

Pakistan’s prime minister has vowed to rid the country of terrorism  following the Taliban attack.

Nawaz Sharif spoke after talks between political parties about the massacre.