Condemnations multiplied after a suicide bomber attacked Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, leaving at least 31 worshipers dead and dozens injured during Friday prayers.
Authorities fear the death toll could rise as emergency services remain on high alert across the capital, while all major hospitals have declared an emergency. The authorities have mobilized doctors, nurses and paramedics to ensure immediate treatment of the injured.
Rescue teams transported the injured to different hospitals in the capital while security forces cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence.
Eyewitnesses say the attacker opened fire at the entrance before detonating explosives after guards tried to stop him at the main gate.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep grief and sadness over the explosion, offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for patience among the bereaved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, expressed deep anguish over the martyrdoms and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
Following the tragic incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the identification and immediate arrest of those responsible.
Acts of terrorism are unacceptable: US
The United States has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that left innocent worshipers dead and injured, stating that all acts of terror and violence are unacceptable, the US Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement.
The United States chargé d’affaires, Natalie A. Baker, expressed her deepest condolences to the injured and the families of those killed in the attack.
The embassy stated that violence against civilians and places of worship cannot be justified.
He reiterated that the United States continues to support Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and security and remains committed to the bilateral partnership aimed at promoting stability. The embassy added that Washington supports Islamabad during this difficult time.
“Outraged and heartbroken”
UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said she is “outraged and heartbroken” by the horrific attack at the imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers. He extends his thoughts and prayers to the dead and injured and their families.
The British envoy described this violence as abhorrent and expressed his solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the wake of the tragedy.
China firmly supports Pakistan: embassy
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan expressed deep regret over the deaths and injuries caused by the explosion at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra.
He conveyed his deepest condolences to the victims and conveyed his deepest condolences to their families, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The embassy emphasized China’s solidarity with Pakistan and stated that it firmly supports its Pakistani brothers and sisters during this difficult time.
Islamabad attack ‘a horrific act’: Iran envoy
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam strongly condemned the terror attack in Islamabad, describing it as a horrific act that led to martyrdom and injuries to scores of innocent civilians.
He conveyed the condemnation on behalf of the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Turkiye supports Pakistan in the fight against terrorism
The Turkiye Foreign Ministry condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack carried out on a mosque during Friday prayers in Islamabad.
Ankara expressed its condolences to the families of those killed and the people of Pakistan. He expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
EU envoy expresses deep shock
European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis expressed deep shock over the suicide attack in Islamabad and described it as a heinous act. He said the EU strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism.
Karoblis expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the injured and emphasized solidarity with the people of Pakistan.
Afghanistan condemns Islamabad attack
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also strongly condemned the suicide bombing at the Islamabad mosque during Friday prayers, which left many worshipers dead and injured.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesman for Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry, said Kabul condemned such attacks that violate the sanctity of sacred rituals and mosques and target worshipers and innocent people.
Other nations also denounced the terrorist attack and showed solidarity with Pakistan.
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.
