Politicians, allied nations slam horrifying attack on Islamabad imambargah | The Express Tribune

Politicians, diplomat and foreign nations unanimously condemned a horrifying attack on an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers, which left at least 31 people dead and more than 100 injured.

A powerful explosion ripped through the imambargah during prayers, martyring at least 31 worshippers and injuring 169 others.

Condemnations rang loud and clear as politicians appealed for blood donations while expressing anger at the targeting of worshippers in a religious site.

“A terrorist attack on innocent and defenseless worshippers is a cowardly act, and no amount of condemnation is enough. Terrorists are enemies of humanity, they have no connection with any religion.

“Terrorists belonging to Fitna-e-Al-Hindustan will never succeed in their filthy designs.The cowardly actions of the terrorists of Fitna-e-Al-Hindustan can never shake the resolve of the security forces and the nation in the fight against terrorism,” said National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

NA Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah also similarly condemned the attack as a cowardly act.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that such terrorist incidents could not demoralise the nation.

“The need of the hour is that we all stand united for peace, tolerance, and stability, and express complete solidarity with the law enforcement agencies. May God the almighty keep our homeland safe from all kinds of evil and terrorism.”

“Strongly condemn the cowardly blast … My heart goes out to the victims’ families. Pakistan stands united against terrorism — we will bring the perpetrators to justice. Praying for the injured’s swift recovery,” said Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the attack as a “cowardly and hateful act against humanity”, while reaffirming the government’s duty to protect its people.

Acknowledging the pain of the affected families, Tarar vowed that “no one will be allowed to disrupt law and order or sectarian harmony” and that those responsible would be held strictly accountable.

He emphasised that the state remained fully committed to protecting the lives and property of the public, particularly at religious sites, through a rigorous “zero-tolerance policy” against extremist elements. The minister called for national unity, ensuring that all state resources were being mobilised to prevent further “mischief and unrest”.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic blast at an imambargah in Islamabad. My heart goes out to the victims and their families during this painful time. Prayers for the swift recovery of the injured, and may God grant patience and strength to all those affected,” said Punjab Cchief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti said that the people of his province were “not unfamiliar with this grief; we know how deep the wound of terrorism is”.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi said the attack was a “cowardly and inhumane crime” and the “worst example of enmity against humanity”.

“Targeting a place of worship and innocent worshippers is an assault on our faith, our values, and our shared humanity. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and share in their pain. In this hour of sorrow, the people of K-P stand united 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,” said K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

Prime Minister’s Spokesperson for Foreign Media Mosharraf Zaidi alleged Indian involvement in the attack.

“Today’s attack at the imambargah in Islamabad is only 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.”

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed grief over the “martyrdom of innocent worshippers”, characterising the incident as a direct assault on humanity and a serious failure of the administration to protect its citizens.

He raised sharp questions regarding the performance of law enforcement agencies in the federal capital and made an urgent humanitarian appeal to the youth of Islamabad to visit hospitals for blood donations to save those in critical condition.

Opposition coalition Tehreek Tahaffuz Ain Pakistan appealed to the public and youth to donate blood.

“A strong appeal to the aware and courageous youth of Islamabad: Step forward at this delicate moment, demonstrating the essence of humanity. 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.”

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said the attack was “absolutely shocking and deeply disturbing”.

It offered prayers for those killed and injured in the “despicable terrorist attack”.

In a longer statement, the party said: “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. 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.”

It further said that the entire nation must stand united so that peace, tolerance and stability could be ensured to eradicate the growing scourge of terrorism.

“We strongly condemn the suicide bombing at the imambargah. We extend our condolences to the affected families — may Allah grant the martyrs a high rank in paradise and bestow patience upon their bereaved loved ones. 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,” said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.

PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said an assault on a place of worship was not just an act of terror but “an attack on our shared humanity, our religion and the conscience of Pakistan itself”.

He further said that no belief, no grievance and no ideology could ever justify the murder of innocent Muslims, especially within a sacred place meant for prayer, dignity, and peace.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims, their families targeted by this atrocity. Pakistan belongs to every one of its citizens. Sectarian violence is a deadly poison that fractures our society and empowers only those who wish to see our nation burn. Those responsible along with their facilitators must be identified and punished swiftly and without compromise. 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. Terror has no religion. Violence has no justification. Pakistan must choose peace firmly, finally, and together.”

Her further appealed to party workers to head towards hospitals in the capital to donate blood.

“There is an urgent need for blood for the injured — in this hour of crisis, our brothers and sisters who have fallen victim to terrorism need us — you have to help these people; this is also our religious duty. I request that you head to the hospitals and donate as much blood as possible immediately.”

“The attackers are enemies of humanity and deserve no leniency,” declared Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

He questioned how such an incident could occur in the heart of the country, noting that “in these dire conditions, the pride institutions take in their performance is a question mark.”

Rehman urged a total shift in focus for law enforcement, suggesting that if agencies “free themselves from political interference”, they could better protect the lives of citizens. He concluded by asking a pointed question to the state: when would it finally establish a system to protect the “future of coming generations” and heal the wounds of the public?

The Chinese embassy extended its condolence and expressed solidarity with the government and victims.

United States Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan Natalie Baker said the US condemned all acts of terror and violence.

“On behalf of the US, I offer our sincere condolences to those injured and to the families and loved ones of those killed by this attack. Acts of terror and violence against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable. The people of Pakistan deserve safety, dignity, and the ability to practice their faith without fear.

“The US continues to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace and security and remains committed to our partnership aimed at promoting stability. We stand with Pakistan during this challenging moment.”

“The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan condemns in strongest possible terms today’s heinous terrorist attack on the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabad, which claimed dozens of innocent lives,” the Russian embassy said on X.

“It is with deep shock that we learned about the heinous suicide attack in Islamabad today. The Eu 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,” said the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan.

UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said in a post on X she was “outraged and heartbroken by the horrific attack” during Friday prayers.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured and their families. Such violence is abhorrent. We stand with Pakistan.’

Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane said he was “shocked and saddened by the horrific attack”.

He said Australia stood and mourned with Pakistan at the difficult time.

Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said he strongly condemned the attack on behalf of the Iranian government and people.

“I strongly condemn the hideous and awkward terrorist attack in Islamabad during the Friday prayers which lead 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.”

The Iranian foreign ministry said preventing and combatting terrorism required the cooperation and coordination of all countries in the region, as well as continuous efforts to confront its perpetrators, organisers, supporters and financial backers.

Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry also expressed solidarity with Pakistan.

“We remain fully committed to supporting Pakistan in its fight against all forms of terrorism,” said the Turkish embassy.

The French embassy said it condemned the deadly attack and extended its condolences to the families.

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

“We hope that those responsible will be found and brought to justice,” the German ambassador to Pakistan said.

Nehterland’s embassy said it recalled the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and affirmed its stand against all forms of terrorism.

“Our thoughts go out to all those who lost their lives, the injured and their families.”

Afghanistan’s foreign ministry was also among those to condemn the attack.

“The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan condemns such attacks that violate the sanctity of sacred rituals and mosques and target worshippers and innocent people.”