ISLAMABAD:
Shock and condemnation reverberated 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 targeted during Friday prayers in an assault that killed dozens and left scores injured.
The United States, through Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker, expressed deep sadness, terming 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 People around the world, of all faiths, should be able to worship freely and peacefully, without fear of violence. Our thoughts are with those injured and the friends and family of those killed in the attack.”
China also expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, while the Afghan 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 offered its condolences and sympathy to the deceased and their families, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
“We stand firmly with our Pakistani brothers and sisters in this difficult time,” the text adds.
Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam called the attack “hideous and embarrassing”, expressing deep sympathy to Pakistan and praying for eternal peace for the martyrs and recovery of the injured.
Turkey condemned the attack in the strongest terms and reaffirmed its solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. Azerbaijan, the European Union, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia also expressed shock and sorrow, condemning 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, offering condolences over the deaths caused by the terrorist attack in Islamabad.
In his letters, he said: “Please accept my deepest condolences for the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Islamabad. The killing of people during a religious ceremony is another testimony to the barbaric and inhumane nature of terrorism.
He reaffirmed Russia’s desire to further strengthen cooperation with its 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 message on Pakistan deeply appreciates Russia’s solidarity and our shared determination to combat terrorism in all its forms.
The United Nations also denounced the “terrorist attack” on an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers.
The suicide attack in Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra killed 31 people and injured 169 others, according to media reports.
“We condemn this terrorist attack and reaffirm that all places of worship must be protected against such violence,” UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement on Friday.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry strongly condemned “this heinous 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 strong support for peace, stability and the fight against all forms of terrorism.”
The European Union expressed “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 injured,” the bloc said in a statement.
The French Embassy condemned the attack and offered its condolences to the families of the victims, also praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.
“We stand with Pakistan in opposing all forms of terrorism,” he said.
Germany’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ina Lepel, said her country deplored 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 message 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, offering its condolences to the victims, their families and the federal government.
The Dutch Embassy also condemned the bombing, offering its thoughts and prayers to the deceased, injured and their families.
“We remember the recent shocking terrorist attacks in Balochistan and oppose all forms of terrorism,” the statement said.
Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said he was “shocked and saddened” by the attack, sending his thoughts to the victims, their families and all those affected.
“Australia stands with Pakistan and mourns this difficult time,” he said.
The Czech embassy strongly condemned the attack, saying: “Cowardly acts targeting innocent lives are unjustifiable. [Czechia] strongly opposes all forms of terrorism. »
US Congressman Tom Suozzi said he was “devastated by the innocent lives lost in today’s suicide attack in Islamabad, Pakistan,” calling it “a tragic reminder of the devastation that extremism continues to wreak on communities around the world,” and called for unity “for compassion, dignity and religious harmony.”
“During my visit to Pakistan, I was struck to learn that the country is suffering the second highest number of terrorist attacks in the world, after Burkina Faso – a tragic reminder of the devastation that extremism continues to wreak on communities around the world. 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 message on X.
