<\/p>\n
At least 31 people were killed and another 169 were injured when an explosion <\/a>ripped through an imambargah in Islamabad\u2019s Tarlai area during Friday prayers.<\/p>\n Images from the site showed bloodied bodies lying on the carpeted floor surrounded by shards of glass, debris and panicked worshippers.<\/p>\n The attack was widely condemned by political leaders and foreign diplomats, who labelled the incident \u201cabhorrent\u201d and \u201ca direct attack on humanity, religion and social values\u201d.<\/p>\n Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal strongly condemned the \u201ccowardly\u201d attack, writing on X, he said that his heart went out to the victims\u2019 families.<\/p>\n \u201cPakistan stands united against terrorism \u2014 we will bring the perpetrators to justice,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry strongly condemned the attack in a post on X, expressing grief over the loss of lives in the \u201ccowardly act\u201d.<\/p>\n He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch 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,\u201d the minister stressed.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sadness over the incident, extending \u201cprayers for the swift recovery of the injured\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi branded the attack \u201ca cowardly and inhumane crime\u201d and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives.<\/p>\n \u201cThe suicide attack in a place of worship is the worst example of enmity against humanity,\u201d he said. \u201cThe provincial government equally shares the grief of the bereaved families.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said, \u201cTargeting a place of worship and innocent worshippers is an assault on our faith, our values, and our shared humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n Expressing his grief, he emphasised that the people of KP stood with the bereaved.<\/p>\n \u201cThis vile act is part of a sinister conspiracy by Fitna al Khawarij<\/em>, operating under Indian patronage, to spread fear and destabilise our homeland,\u201d the governor said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the bombing, noting that the people of his province were \u201cnot unfamiliar with this grief [and] know how deep the wound of terrorism is\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cI offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and pray for the swift recovery of the injured,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called targeting citizens in an imambargah \u201can attack on humanity, religion, and the national conscience\u201d, according to a statement from the PPP.<\/p>\n \u201cNo religion or ideology permits the murder of innocent people,\u201d he was quoted as saying. Bilawal demanded that an immediate and transparent investigation of the incident be conducted, and the \u201cperpetrators and their facilitators [be] brought to justice\u201d.<\/p>\n He added that effective measures must be put in place to protect places of worship and stressed that the nation must stand united against \u201chatred, extremism, and terrorism\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n In a statement from its central information department, the PTI strongly condemned the \u201chorrific suicide bombing\u201d in Islamabad.<\/p>\n \u201cTargeting 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,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cTo eradicate this growing scourge of terrorism, the entire nation must stand united so that peace, tolerance, and stability in Pakistan can be ensured,\u201d the PTI said.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan strongly condemned the blast in a post on X, extending his condolences to the victims and their families.<\/p>\n \u201cNow is the time for every terrorist, wherever they may be, to meet their end in the depths of hell \u2014 I am hopeful that, God willing, with the cooperation of us all, our provincial and national institutions will succeed in this war,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman termed the attack \u201cregrettable and condemnable\u201d, calling the perpetrators \u201cenemies of humanity and deserving no leniency\u201d, according to a statement from his party.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, now even in Islamabad, terrorist activities are continuing relentlessly,\u201d he said. \u201cNo part of the country is safe from terrorists.\u201d<\/p>\n Fazl noted that institutions\u2019 \u201cpride in their performance\u201d had come into question amid these circumstances.<\/p>\n \u201cThe nation cannot be reassured by relying on rulers\u2019 visits and statements of condemnation after major tragedies,\u201d Fazl was quoted as saying.<\/p>\n \u201cIf institutions remain free from political interference, they should focus on peace, security and [the] protection of the people\u2019s lives and property.\u201d<\/p>\n He also observed that national and international elements inciting sectarianism \u201ccannot be overlooked\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite the presence of dozens of intelligence agencies, Islamabad was stained with blood during broad daylight. The attack is a failure of the agencies,\u201d Fazl added.<\/p>\n The JUI-F chief questioned when state institutions would address the public\u2019s issues and whether a system would be implemented for \u201cprotecting the future of the people and coming generations\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch 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,\u201d he said in a post on X.<\/p>\n Abbas strongly condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.<\/p>\n \u201cTargeting places of worship is a direct attack on humanity, religion and social values, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He also appealed to the youth in Islamabad to donate blood at hospitals and \u201cplay their part in saving precious lives\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n The Tehreek Tahahfuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) opposition alliance shared Senator Abbas\u2019s post, reiterating his request to the youth of Islamabad to donate blood.<\/p>\n \u201cStep forward at this delicate moment, demonstrating the essence of humanity,\u201d the TTAP urged. \u201cAt this time, there is an urgent need for blood in various hospitals of Islamabad for the injured worshippers.<\/p>\n \u201cTherefore, all of you participate actively in this noble cause and play your role in saving precious lives.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n PTI stalwart and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser deemed the attack \u201ccowardly and inhumane\u201d in a post on X, stating that targeting a place of worship \u201creflects the worst form of enmity toward humanity and a cowardly mindset\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cA suicide attack at a place of worship is not only an assault on fundamental human values but also an open crime against humanity,\u201d Qaiser said.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram condemned the attack and deemed it not just an act of terror, but rather \u201can attack on our shared humanity, our religion, and the conscience of Pakistan itself\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cNo belief, no grievance, no ideology can ever justify the murder of innocent Muslims, especially within a sacred place meant for prayer, dignity, and peace,\u201d he said in a post on X.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cSectarian violence is a deadly poison that fractures our society and empowers only those who wish to see our nation burn,\u201d he asserted. \u201cThis is the moment to reject hatred without ambiguity, to defend every place of worship, and to stand united against extremism in all its forms.\u201d<\/p>\n Adding that terrorism has no religion, nor violence any justification, Akram urged the people of Pakistan to \u201cchoose peace, firmly, finally, and together\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq condemned the attack in a statement, stating that the \u201cdespicable act of the suicide attacker belonging to Fitna al Hindustan<\/em> is a cowardly act\u201d.<\/p>\n Extending condolences to the victims, he added, \u201cA terrorist attack on innocent and defenceless worshippers is a cowardly act, and no amount of condemnation is enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Sadiq called terrorists \u201cenemies of humanity\u201d, asserting that they have no connection with any religion.<\/p>\n \u201cTerrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan<\/em> will never succeed in their filthy designs,\u201d the statement read. \u201cThe cowardly actions of the terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan<\/em> can never shake the resolve of the security forces and the nation in the fight against terrorism.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Deputy NA Speaker Ghulam Mustafa strongly condemned the attack and expressed \u201cprofound grief and sorrow\u201d, according to a statement from the lower house of parliament.<\/p>\n \u201cThe attack on innocent worshippers is a cowardly act,\u201d Mustafa was quoted as saying. \u201cThis malicious act is a failed attempt to sabotage societal peace.\u201d<\/p>\n Noting that terrorists \u201chave no connection to any religion or humanity\u201d, the deputy speaker vowed that terrorists would never succeed in their goals and that \u201cthe terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan<\/em> will not be allowed to harm Pakistan\u2019s peace and stability\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe entire nation stands united against terrorism. The terrorists\u2019 cowardly actions cannot weaken the resolve of the nation and security forces,\u201d Mustafa added.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Mosharraf Zaidi, the prime minister\u2019s spokesperson for foreign media, called the bombing \u201cthe latest in a series of murderous terrorist attacks orchestrated by India\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIndia\u2019s terrorist proxies will neither slow down economic recovery, nor divide Pakistani hearts, nor undermine Pakistan\u2019s growing diplomatic capital,\u201d Zaidi said on social media platform X, praying for the victims\u2019 families and vowing that \u201cjustice will be done\u201d.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n US Charge d\u2019Affaires Natalie Baker strongly condemned the bombing, as well as all acts of terrorism, in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cOn 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cActs of terror and violence against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable,\u201d it added. \u201cThe people of Pakistan deserve safety, dignity, and the ability to practice their faith without fear.\u201d<\/p>\n Baker was quoted as saying that Washington would continue supporting Pakistan\u2019s efforts to advance peace and security and remained committed to their partnership.<\/p>\n \u201cWe stand with Pakistan during this challenging moment.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said it was \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d by the attack and expressed condolences and sympathies to the deceased and their families, wishing the injured a fast recovery.<\/p>\n \u201cWe stand firmly with our Pakistani brothers and sisters in this difficult time,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n The Russian Embassy condemned the bombing in the strongest possible terms, adding, \u201cOur hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed deep shock at the \u201cappalling\u201d attack in Islamabad.<\/p>\n \u201cMy thoughts are with the victims, families and all affected,\u201d she wrote on X. \u201cThe UK stands with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and in support of all communities affected by such senseless violence.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott took to X and extended her thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.<\/p>\n \u201cOutraged and heartbroken by the horrific attack at Imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers,\u201d she said. \u201cSuch violence is abhorrent. We stand with Pakistan.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n The Turkish Embassy issued a statement condemning the bombing, calling it \u201cabhorrent\u201d and praying for the recovery of the injured.<\/p>\n \u201cWe share the deep sorrow of the families who lost their loved ones and pray for Allah\u2019s mercy upon the victims,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n \u201cTurkiye stands firmly with our brother Pakistan. We remain fully committed to supporting Pakistan in its fight against all forms of terrorism.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cOn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI extend my sincere and deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman also condemned that attack and offered condolences to the families of the victims.<\/p>\n He underlined the \u201cprincipled 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,\u201d Iran\u2019s foreign ministry said in a post on X.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Azerbaijan\u2019s foreign ministry strongly condemned \u201cthis heinous act of violence and terrorism, which targeted worshippers at a sacred place\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we wish a swift recovery to those injured,\u201d the ministry said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cAzerbaijan stands in solidarity with brotherly Pakistan and reaffirms its firm support for peace, stability, and the fight against all forms of terrorism.\u201d<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n The European Union expressed \u201cdeep shock\u201d over the bombing and said it \u201cstrongly condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe stand with Pakistan and extend our condolences to the families of the victims and the injured,\u201d the bloc affirmed in a statement.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe stand with Pakistan in opposing all forms of terrorism,\u201d it read.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel said that her country mourned the loss of life in today\u2019s \u201chorrible attack\u201d and expressed hope that those responsible would be found and brought to justice.<\/p>\n \u201cOur thoughts are with the victims and their families,\u201d she said in a post on X.<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n The Italian Embassy said it was in shock over the attack and conveyed \u201cthoughts and prayers with the numerous victims and their families\u201d.<\/p>\n