Foreign Minister Dar thanks outpouring of global support after Islamabad blast

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday expressed his gratitude to his fellow Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and world leaders, as well as foreign offices of friendly countries, who offered condolences, prayers and messages of solidarity in the wake of Friday’s horrific explosion in Islamabad.

According to authorities and hospital officials, at least 32 people were killed and around 169 injured when a suicide bomber attacked Imambangah Khadijah al-Kubra during Friday prayers. The blast occurred as worshipers gathered for jumma prayers and was accompanied by explosions and gunshots.

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

In the attack, numerous allied nations condemned the incident and expressed their support for Pakistan.

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

“Grateful to my fellow 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 the appalling bomb blast in Islamabad. We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support and solidarity during this difficult time.”

He further said that Pakistan stood firm against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and remained committed to safeguarding its people, upholding peace and working with the international community to combat the shared global threat.

“Pakistan’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police have long been at the forefront of confronting this threat, and the civil administration and first responders continue to play a critical role in managing the painful aftermath. Our thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs, the injured and their families. The government of Pakistan is providing all necessary support and assistance to those affected. Pakistan will continue to respond decisively to any threat to its peace and stability,” he said.

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

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

“Foreign Minister Bayramov conveyed his condolences on behalf of the president, government and people of Azerbaijan, extended his prayers for the victims of the Islamabad explosion 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 long-standing partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

Foreign Minister Dar also met with Iranian Ambassador Raza Amiri Moghaddam, who conveyed his condolences over the attack.

The ambassador briefed him on the progress made through various bilateral institutional mechanisms to enhance cooperation in various areas.

Foreign Minister 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 the Russian ambassador, Albert P. Khorev.

“The two sides reviewed the entire range of relations between Pakistan and Russia and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations.

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

United Nations issues strong denunciation

The United Nations also strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

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

Read: Four Daesh facilitators and mastermind arrested in Imambargah suicide attack in Islamabad

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

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the secretary-general said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life in the attack. He stressed that attacking places of worship – spaces intended 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. “It emphasizes that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice.”

Guterres expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, offering solidarity and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also reaffirmed the UN’s support for Pakistan as it faces the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

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

Read more: Funeral prayers held in Islamabad for victims of Tarlai Imambagah terror attack

Tajikistan’s 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 complete recovery. Tajikistan, while strongly condemning this cruel terrorist act and, as always, all manifestations of terrorism, constantly underlines the need for a relentless fight against this evil,” read a post on the Tajik president’s official Facebook page.

Also read: Tarar vows crackdown after Tarlai imambargah explosion, cites links to Afghanistan

President Zardari reciprocated President Rahmon’s message of condolence and solidarity and said Pakistan appreciated Tajikistan’s clear stance against terrorism.

“We remain united to reject this evil and honor the innocent lives lost in this tragic attack.”