ISLAMABAD:
Shock and condemnation reverberated across capitals on Friday as governments and diplomatic missions around the world condemned the terrorist attack at Imambargah Khadijatul-Kubra in Islamabad, where worshipers were struck during Friday prayers in an assault that killed dozens and left scores injured.
The US, through Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker, expressed deep sorrow and called the attack an attack on civilians and places of worship, and reaffirmed Washington’s support for Pakistan’s peace and security efforts.
In a post on X, retweeted by the US Embassy, the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) wrote, “The United States strongly condemns the bombing of the Khadija Al-Kubra mosque in Pakistan. People around the world, of all faiths, should be able to worship freely and peacefully without fear of violence. Our thoughts are with those killed and those killed are with the friends and family of those killed”.
China also expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, while Afghanistan’s foreign ministry condemned the attack for violating the sanctity of a place of worship and targeting innocent worshippers.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack and extended condolences and sympathies to the deceased and their families, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“We stand firmly with our Pakistani brothers and sisters in this difficult time,” it added.
Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam called the bombing “heinous and awkward”, expressing deep sympathy with Pakistan and praying for the martyrs’ eternal peace and safe recovery of the injured.
Turkiye strongly condemned the attack and reaffirmed its solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. Azerbaijan, the European Union, France, Britain, Germany and Australia also expressed shock and grief and condemned the violence.
These statements collectively underscored the international community’s support for Pakistan and reiterated that attacks on civilians and places of worship are unacceptable and that those responsible must be brought to justice.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday sent letters to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condoling the deaths caused by the terror attack in Islamabad.
In his letters, he said: “Please accept my deepest condolences for the tragic consequences of the terror attack in Islamabad. The killing of people during a religious ceremony is yet another testimony to the barbaric and inhuman nature of terrorism.”
He confirmed that Russia is ready to further strengthen cooperation with Pakistani partners in the fight against terrorism.
“Please convey our sincere sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as our wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured,” he added.
In a post on X, President Asif Ali Zardari said: “I thank President Vladimir Putin for his kind letter of condolence on the tragic terror attack in Islamabad. Pakistan deeply appreciates Russia’s solidarity and our common resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms.”
The United Nations also condemned the “terrorist attack” on an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers.
The suicide bombing at Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra killed 31 people and injured another 169, according to media reports.
“We condemn this terrorist attack and reiterate that all places of worship should be kept safe from such violence,” UN spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement on Friday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan strongly condemned “this heinous act of violence and terrorism, which was aimed at worshipers at a holy place”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Azerbaijan stands in solidarity with fraternal Pakistan and reaffirms its firm support for peace, stability and the fight against all forms of terrorism.”
The European Union expressed “deep shock” at the bombing and said it “strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism”.
“We stand with Pakistan and express our condolences to the families of the victims and the injured,” the bloc said in a statement.
The French Embassy condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families of the deceased and also prayed for a speedy recovery for the injured.
“We stand with Pakistan in opposing all forms of terrorism,” it said.
German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel said her country mourned the loss of life in the “horrific attack” and expressed hope that those responsible would be found and brought to justice.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” she said in a post on X.
The Italian embassy said it was shocked by the attack and conveyed its “thoughts and prayers with the numerous victims and their families”.
The Spanish Embassy issued its strongest condemnation and condolences to the victims, their families and the federal government.
The Dutch Embassy also condemned the bombing and offered thoughts and prayers for the deceased, the injured and their families.
“We remember the recent shocking terrorist attacks in Balochistan and stand against all forms of terrorism,” the statement read.
Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said he was “shocked and saddened” by the bombing and conveyed his thoughts to the victims, their families and all those affected.
“Australia stands and mourns with Pakistan at this difficult time,” he said.
The Czech Embassy strongly condemned the attack, stating: “Cowardly acts aimed at innocent lives are indefensible. [Czechia] stands strongly against all forms of terrorism.”
US Congressman Tom Suozzi said he was “devastated by the innocent lives lost in today’s suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan,” calling it “a tragic reminder that extremism continues to take its toll on communities everywhere,” and called for unity “for compassion, dignity and religious harmony.”
“When I visited Pakistan, I was struck to learn that the country suffers from the second-highest number of terrorist attacks in the world, after Burkina Faso – a tragic reminder that extremism continues to take its toll on communities everywhere. We must work to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and reject the forces that seek to divide us,” said a US congressman at X.
