FM Dar thanks for the global support after the blast in Islamabad

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday expressed gratitude to other Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and world leaders as well as the foreign offices of friendly countries who reached out with condolences, prayers and messages of solidarity following Friday’s heinous bomb blast in Islamabad.

At least 32 people were killed and around 169 others injured when a suicide bomber struck Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra during Friday prayers, according to authorities and hospital officials. The blast occurred as worshipers gathered for Jumma prayers and was accompanied by explosions and gunfire.

The attack was the deadliest in Islamabad in more than a decade and the deadliest nationwide since the Peshawar mosque bombing in January 2023.

The attack saw several allied nations condemning the incident while expressing support for Pakistan.

FM Dar thanked the outpouring of solidarity in a post on X today.

“Grateful to my fellow Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and world leaders as well as Foreign Offices of friendly countries who reached out with condolences, prayers and messages of solidarity following yesterday’s heinous bombing in Islamabad. The outpouring of support and solidarity at this difficult time is deeply appreciated.”

He further said that Pakistan stood resolutely against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and remained committed to protecting its people, maintaining peace and working with the international community to combat the common global threat.

“Pakistan’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police have long been at the forefront of confronting this threat, with civil administration and first responders continuing to play a critical role in dealing with the painful aftermath. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the martyrs, the injured and their families. The Government of Pakistan will continue to provide all necessary support and support to Pakistan to provide all necessary support and support to Pakistan. its peace and stability,” he said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had similarly expressed appreciation and gratitude for the messages.

FM Dar also received a phone call from Azerbaijan FM Jeyhun Bayramov.

“Foreign Minister Bayramov conveyed condolences on behalf of the president, government and people of Azerbaijan, extended prayers for the victims of the Islamabad blast and expressed solidarity with Pakistan,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) said in a press release.

Both leaders also discussed current regional and international developments of mutual interest and reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

FM Dar also met Iranian Ambassador Raza Amiri Moghaddam who conveyed condolences over the attack.

He was briefed by the Ambassador on progress achieved through various bilateral institutional mechanisms to strengthen cooperation across various fields.

FM Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen engagement with Iran in key priority sectors of mutual interest.

He also held a similar meeting with Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev.

“The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Russia relations and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties.

“The ambassador expressed condolences over the precious loss of human life in the terrorist attack at a mosque during Friday prayers in Islamabad,” the FO said.

The UN issues strong condemnation

The UN also strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

“We condemn this terrorist attack and reiterate that all places of worship should be kept safe from such violence,” spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement on Friday.

Read: Four facilitators, Daesh mastermind held in Islamabad imambargah suicide attack

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned “in the strongest terms” the deadly attack, calling the attack a serious violation of human rights and an unacceptable act of violence against civilians.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, the Secretary-General said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life in the attack. He stressed that targeting places of worship – spaces meant for peace, reflection and community – could not be justified under any circumstances.

“The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable,” the statement said. “He emphasizes that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice.”

Guterres offered condolences to the families of those killed and offered solidarity and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also reaffirmed the UN’s support to Pakistan as it faces the continuing threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

“He reaffirms the UN’s solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism,” the spokesman added.

Read more: Funeral prayer held in Islamabad for victims of Tarlai imambargah terror attack

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon sent a telegram of condolences to President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz over the attack.

“I ask Almighty God for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased, and wish all the injured a full recovery. Tajikistan, while strongly condemning this heinous act of terrorism and as always all manifestations of terrorism, constantly emphasizes the need for a relentless fight against this evil,” said a post on the Tajik president’s official Facebook page.

Read also: Tarar vows crackdown after Tarlai imambargah blast, cites Afghan links

Reciprocating President Rahmon’s message of condolence and solidarity, President Zardari said Pakistan appreciated Tajikistan’s clear stand against terrorism.

“We remain united in rejecting this evil and in honoring the innocent lives lost in this tragic attack.”