ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent condolence letters to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the deadly bomb blast in Islamabad.
In his messages, President Putin expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the attack, which took place during a religious gathering. He described the killing of civilians at a place of worship as an act of brutality and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms.
The Russian president reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. He also conveyed his sympathies to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The blast occurred during Friday prayers at Masjid and Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in the suburban area of Tarlai, Islamabad. According to official sources, at least 32 people were killed and more than 169 injured in the attack.
Government sources have stated that the suicide bomber has been identified and had reportedly received terrorist training in Afghanistan, with multiple cross-border movements.
Authorities have alleged that militant groups operating from Afghanistan pose a serious threat to regional security and claimed that terrorist activities in Pakistan involve collaboration between elements based in Afghanistan and India.
