ISLAMABAD:
Shock and condemnation echoed in capitals on Friday as governments and diplomatic missions around the world denounced the terrorist attack at Imambargah Khadijatul-Kubra in Islamabad, where worshipers were attacked during Friday prayers in an attack that killed dozens and left many injured.
The United States, through Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, expressed its deep regret, calling the attack an attack on civilians and places of worship, and reaffirmed Washington’s support for Pakistan’s peace and security efforts.
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China also expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims 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 worshipers.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack and expressed its condolences and solidarity to the deceased and their families, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
“We strongly support our Pakistani brothers and sisters in this difficult time,” he added.
Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam called the bombing “appalling and uncomfortable”, expressing his deepest condolences to Pakistan and praying for eternal peace for the martyrs and safe recovery for the injured.
Turkiye condemned the attack in the strongest terms and reaffirmed his solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. Azerbaijan, the European Union, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia also expressed shock and grief and condemned the violence.
These statements collectively underscored the international community’s support for Pakistan, reiterating that attacks on civilians and places of worship are unacceptable and 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 over the deaths caused by the Islamabad terror attack.
In his letters, he said: “Please accept my deepest condolences for the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Islamabad. The murder of people during a religious ceremony is yet another testimony to the barbaric and inhumane nature of terrorism.”
He reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation with Pakistani partners in the fight against terrorism.
“Please convey our sincere solidarity 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.
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The United Nations also denounced the “terrorist attack” on an imambarga in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers.
The suicide bomb attack in Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra killed 31 people and injured 169 others, according to media reports.
“We condemn this terrorist attack and reiterate that all places of worship must 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 atrocious act of violence and terrorism, which targeted worshipers in a sacred place.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Azerbaijan stands in solidarity with brotherly Pakistan and reaffirms its firm support for peace, stability and the fight against all forms of terrorism.”
The European Union expressed its “deep shock” at the attack and said it “strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism.”
“We stand with Pakistan and extend our condolences to the families of the victims and the injured,” the bloc said in a statement.
The French Embassy condemned the attack and expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased, also praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.
“We support Pakistan in its opposition to all forms of terrorism,” he said.
Germany’s ambassador to Pakistan, Ina Lepel, said her country mourned the loss of life in the “horrible attack” and expressed hope that those responsible would be found and brought to justice.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he said in a post on X.
The Italian embassy said it was shocked by the attack and conveyed its “thoughts and prayers to the many victims and their families.”
The Spanish Embassy issued its strongest condemnation, extending its 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 oppose all forms of terrorism,” the statement said.
The Australian High Commissioner, Timothy Kane, declared himself “shocked and saddened” by the attack and conveyed his thoughts to the victims, their families and all those affected.
“Australia mourns alongside Pakistan at this difficult time,” he said.
The Czech embassy strongly condemned the attack, stating: “Cowardly acts targeting innocent lives are unjustifiable. [Czechia] “It firmly opposes all forms of terrorism.”
U.S. 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 of the toll extremism continues to take on communities everywhere” and urging unity “for compassion, dignity and religious harmony.”
“When I visited Pakistan, I was shocked to learn that the country suffers the second highest number of terrorist attacks in the world, after Burkina Faso – a tragic reminder of the toll that extremism continues to take on communities everywhere. We must work to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and reject the forces that seek to divide us,” the US congressman said in a post on X.
