ISLAMABAD:
Shock and condemnation reverberated across capitals on Friday as governments and diplomatic missions around the world denounced the terrorist attack at Imambargah Khadijatul-Kubra in Islamabad, where worshippers were targeted during Friday prayers in an assault that killed dozens and left many injured.
The United States, through Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker, expressed deep sorrow, calling the attack an assault on civilians and places of worship, and reaffirmed Washington’s support for Pakistan’s peace and security efforts.
In a post on X, retweeted by the US Embassy, the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) wrote, “The United States strongly condemns the bombing of the Khadija Al-Kubra mosque in Pakistan. 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 heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured, while Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack for violating the sanctity of a place of worship and targeting innocent worshippers.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack and extended 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.
Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam termed the bombing “hideous and awkward,” extending deep sympathy to Pakistan and praying for the martyrs’ eternal peace and the safe recovery of the injured.
Turkiye 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 grief, condemning the violence.
These statements collectively underlined the international community’s support for Pakistan, reiterating that attacks on civilians and places of worship are unacceptable and that 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 the deaths caused by the terrorist attack in Islamabad.
In his letters, he said, “Please accept my deepest condolences on the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Islamabad. The killing of people during a religious ceremony is yet another testament 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 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 post on X, President Asif Ali Zardari said, “I thank President Vladimir Putin for his kind letter of condolence on the tragic terrorist attack in Islamabad. Pakistan deeply values Russia’s solidarity & our shared resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.”
The United Nations also denounced the “terrorist attack” against an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers.
The suicide bombing at Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra killed 31 people and injured another 169, according to media reports.
“We condemn this terrorist attack and reiterate that all places of worship should be kept safe from such violence,” UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a statement on Friday.
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 said in a statement.
The French Embassy condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, also praying for a swift recovery for the injured.
“We stand with Pakistan in opposing all forms of terrorism,” it said.
German 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,” she said in a post on X.
The Italian Embassy said it was in shock over the attack and conveyed its “thoughts and prayers with the numerous victims and their families”.
The Spanish Embassy issued its strongest condemnation, extending condolences to the victims, their families and the federal government.
The Dutch Embassy also condemned the bombing, offering thoughts and prayers for the deceased, the injured and their 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, stating, “Cowardly acts targeting innocent lives are unjustifiable. [Czechia] firmly stands against all forms of terrorism.”
US 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 struck by learning that the country suffers the second-highest number of terrorist attacks in the world, after Burkina Faso – a tragic reminder of the toll 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.
