‘A direct attack on humanity’: Politicians, countries condemn attack on imambargah in Islamabad

At least 31 people were killed and another 169 were injured when an explosion ripped through an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers.

Images from the site showed bloodied bodies lying on the carpeted floor surrounded by shards of glass, debris and panicked worshippers.

The attack was widely condemned by political leaders and foreign diplomats, who labelled the incident “abhorrent” and “a direct attack on humanity, religion and social values”.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal strongly condemned the “cowardly” attack, writing on X, he said that his heart went out to the victims’ families.

“Pakistan stands united against terrorism — we will bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry strongly condemned the attack in a post on X, expressing grief over the loss of lives in the “cowardly act”.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.

“Such acts of terrorism cannot dampen the morale of the nation. The need of the hour is that we all stand united for peace, tolerance, and stability, and express solidarity with law enforcement agencies,” the minister stressed.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sadness over the incident, extending “prayers for the swift recovery of the injured”.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi branded the attack “a cowardly and inhumane crime” and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives.

“The suicide attack in a place of worship is the worst example of enmity against humanity,” he said. “The provincial government equally shares the grief of the bereaved families.”

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said, “Targeting a place of worship and innocent worshippers is an assault on our faith, our values, and our shared humanity.”

Expressing his grief, he emphasised that the people of KP stood with the bereaved.

“This vile act is part of a sinister conspiracy by Fitna al Khawarij, operating under Indian patronage, to spread fear and destabilise our homeland,” the governor said.

“The people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces against every anti-state element. We will defeat this menace with unity, courage, and unwavering resolve, and take the fight against terrorism to its logical end.”

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the bombing, noting that the people of his province were “not unfamiliar with this grief [and] know how deep the wound of terrorism is”.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he added.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called targeting citizens in an imambargah “an attack on humanity, religion, and the national conscience”, according to a statement from the PPP.

“No religion or ideology permits the murder of innocent people,” he was quoted as saying. Bilawal demanded that an immediate and transparent investigation of the incident be conducted, and the “perpetrators and their facilitators [be] brought to justice”.

He added that effective measures must be put in place to protect places of worship and stressed that the nation must stand united against “hatred, extremism, and terrorism”.

In a statement from its central information department, the PTI strongly condemned the “horrific suicide bombing” in Islamabad.

“Targeting a place of worship is an extremely cowardly and inhumane act, which reflects the savagery of the terrorists and is a reprehensible conspiracy to harm peace in Pakistan,” the statement read.

“The PTI fully condemns terrorism and all elements behind it, and demands that the terrorists involved in this heinous crime and their facilitators be brought to immediate justice.”

Additionally, the party extended its prayers to those killed in the blast and demanded that the relevant authorities provide the best medical care to the injured immediately.

“To eradicate this growing scourge of terrorism, the entire nation must stand united so that peace, tolerance, and stability in Pakistan can be ensured,” the PTI said.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan strongly condemned the blast in a post on X, extending his condolences to the victims and their families.

“Now is the time for every terrorist, wherever they may be, to meet their end in the depths of hell — I am hopeful that, God willing, with the cooperation of us all, our provincial and national institutions will succeed in this war,” he stated.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman termed the attack “regrettable and condemnable”, calling the perpetrators “enemies of humanity and deserving no leniency”, according to a statement from his party.

“After Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, now even in Islamabad, terrorist activities are continuing relentlessly,” he said. “No part of the country is safe from terrorists.”

Fazl noted that institutions’ “pride in their performance” had come into question amid these circumstances.

“The nation cannot be reassured by relying on rulers’ visits and statements of condemnation after major tragedies,” Fazl was quoted as saying.

“If institutions remain free from political interference, they should focus on peace, security and [the] protection of the people’s lives and property.”

He also observed that national and international elements inciting sectarianism “cannot be overlooked”.

“Despite the presence of dozens of intelligence agencies, Islamabad was stained with blood during broad daylight. The attack is a failure of the agencies,” Fazl added.

The JUI-F chief questioned when state institutions would address the public’s issues and whether a system would be implemented for “protecting the future of the people and coming generations”.

Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident.

“Such an incident of terrorism in the federal capital is not just a proof of the grave failure to protect human lives, but it also is a big question mark on the performance of the administration and law enforcement agencies,” he said in a post on X.

Abbas strongly condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

“Targeting places of worship is a direct attack on humanity, religion and social values, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.

He also appealed to the youth in Islamabad to donate blood at hospitals and “play their part in saving precious lives”.

The Tehreek Tahahfuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) opposition alliance shared Senator Abbas’s post, reiterating his request to the youth of Islamabad to donate blood.

“Step forward at this delicate moment, demonstrating the essence of humanity,” the TTAP urged. “At this time, there is an urgent need for blood in various hospitals of Islamabad for the injured worshippers.

“Therefore, all of you participate actively in this noble cause and play your role in saving precious lives.”

PTI stalwart and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser deemed the attack “cowardly and inhumane” in a post on X, stating that targeting a place of worship “reflects the worst form of enmity toward humanity and a cowardly mindset”.

“A suicide attack at a place of worship is not only an assault on fundamental human values but also an open crime against humanity,” Qaiser said.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram condemned the attack and deemed it not just an act of terror, but rather “an attack on our shared humanity, our religion, and the conscience of Pakistan itself”.

“No belief, no grievance, no ideology can ever justify the murder of innocent Muslims, especially within a sacred place meant for prayer, dignity, and peace,” he said in a post on X.

Expressing solidarity with the victims and those affected, Akram said that Pakistan belongs to every one of its citizens and stressed that those responsible must be brought to justice.

“Sectarian violence is a deadly poison that fractures our society and empowers only those who wish to see our nation burn,” he asserted. “This is the moment to reject hatred without ambiguity, to defend every place of worship, and to stand united against extremism in all its forms.”

Adding that terrorism has no religion, nor violence any justification, Akram urged the people of Pakistan to “choose peace, firmly, finally, and together”.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq condemned the attack in a statement, stating that the “despicable act of the suicide attacker belonging to Fitna al Hindustan is a cowardly act”.

Extending condolences to the victims, he added, “A terrorist attack on innocent and defenceless worshippers is a cowardly act, and no amount of condemnation is enough.”

Sadiq called terrorists “enemies of humanity”, asserting that they have no connection with any religion.

“Terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan will never succeed in their filthy designs,” the statement read. “The cowardly actions of the terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan can never shake the resolve of the security forces and the nation in the fight against terrorism.”

Deputy NA Speaker Ghulam Mustafa strongly condemned the attack and expressed “profound grief and sorrow”, according to a statement from the lower house of parliament.

“The attack on innocent worshippers is a cowardly act,” Mustafa was quoted as saying. “This malicious act is a failed attempt to sabotage societal peace.”

Noting that terrorists “have no connection to any religion or humanity”, the deputy speaker vowed that terrorists would never succeed in their goals and that “the terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan will not be allowed to harm Pakistan’s peace and stability”.

“The entire nation stands united against terrorism. The terrorists’ cowardly actions cannot weaken the resolve of the nation and security forces,” Mustafa added.

Mosharraf Zaidi, the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, called the bombing “the latest in a series of murderous terrorist attacks orchestrated by India”.

“India’s terrorist proxies will neither slow down economic recovery, nor divide Pakistani hearts, nor undermine Pakistan’s growing diplomatic capital,” Zaidi said on social media platform X, praying for the victims’ families and vowing that “justice will be done”.

US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker strongly condemned the bombing, as well as all acts of terrorism, in a statement.

“On behalf of the United States, I offer our sincere condolences to those injured and to the families and loved ones of those killed by this attack,” she said.

“Acts of terror and violence against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable,” it added. “The people of Pakistan deserve safety, dignity, and the ability to practice their faith without fear.”

Baker was quoted as saying that Washington would continue supporting Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace and security and remained committed to their partnership.

“We stand with Pakistan during this challenging moment.”

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack and expressed condolences and sympathies to the deceased and their families, wishing the injured a fast recovery.

“We stand firmly with our Pakistani brothers and sisters in this difficult time,” it added.

The Russian Embassy condemned the bombing in the strongest possible terms, adding, “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.”

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott took to X and extended her thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

“Outraged and heartbroken by the horrific attack at Imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers,” she said. “Such violence is abhorrent. We stand with Pakistan.”

The Turkish Embassy issued a statement condemning the bombing, calling it “abhorrent” and praying for the recovery of the injured.

“We share the deep sorrow of the families who lost their loved ones and pray for Allah’s mercy upon the victims,” the statement read.

“Turkiye stands firmly with our brother Pakistan. We remain fully committed to supporting Pakistan in its fight against all forms of terrorism.”

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam condemned the incident in a post on X on behalf of the government and the people of Iran.

“On behalf of the government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I strongly condemn the hideous and awkward terrorist attack in Islamabad during the Friday prayers, which led to the martyrdom and injury of tens of innocent civilians.”

“I extend my sincere and deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families,” he said.

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman also condemned that attack and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

He underlined the “principled policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to firmly condemn all forms of terrorism and violent extremism and said preventing and combating the heinous phenomenon of terrorism requires the cooperation and coordination of all countries in the region, as well as continuous efforts to confront its perpetrators, organisers, supporters, and financial backers,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a post on X.

Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry strongly condemned “this heinous act of violence and terrorism, which targeted worshippers at a sacred place”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we wish a swift recovery to those 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 “deep shock” over the bombing 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 affirmed in a statement.

The French Embassy, in a statement, condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, also praying for a swift recovery for those injured.

“We stand with Pakistan in opposing all forms of terrorism,” it read.

German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel said that her country mourned the loss of life in today’s “horrible 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 post on X.

The Italian Embassy said it was in shock over the attack and conveyed “thoughts and prayers with the numerous victims and their families”.

Meanwhile, the Spanish Embassy issued its strongest condemnation over the attack, extending condolences to the victims, their families and the federal government.

The Dutch Embassy also issued a statement, condemning today’s bombing and extending their thoughts and prayers for the deceased, the injured and the victims’ families.

“We recall the recent shocking terrorist attacks in Balochistan & stand against all forms of terrorism,” the statement read.

Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said he was “shocked and saddened” by the bombing, conveying his thoughts to the victims, their families, and all those affected.

“Australia stands and mourns with Pakistan at this difficult time,” he said.

The Czech Embassy strongly condemned the attack and stated, “Cowardly acts targeting innocent lives are unjustifiable. [Czechia] firmly stands against all forms of terrorism.”