‘A direct attack on humanity’: Politicians, diplomats 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 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, and may Allah grant patience and strength to all those affected”.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the blast and called targeting citizens in a mosque “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. “Terrorism in all its forms is an attack on Pakistan’s unity and values.”

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”.

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 quagmire,” 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, deserving no leniency”, according to a statement from his party.

“After KP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Balochistan, now even in Islamabad, terrorist activities are continuing relentlessly,” the statement read. “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 even 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.

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.

The United States Embassy 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,” the statement read, quoting US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker.

“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.”

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.

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

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.