ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the deadly suicide attack on worshippers at a mosque and imambargah in Islamabad.
In a statement issued on Friday, the UN chief emphasized the need to identify those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Guterres also reaffirmed the United Nations’ full solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and reiterated support for Pakistan’s efforts to counter extremism.
The attack took place during Friday prayers at Masjid Khadija-tul-Kubra in the capital’s suburban area, where a suicide bomber targeted worshippers. At least 32 people were killed, while 121 others were injured, including 25 reported to be in critical condition, according to the health ministry. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families.
The Islamabad blast has drawn widespread international condemnation. Several countries, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, China, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Spain, and the Netherlands, have denounced the attack and expressed solidarity with Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for Pakistan against extremism and terrorism, while the US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker stated that terrorism against civilians and religious sites is unacceptable and pledged continued American support for Pakistan’s peace efforts.
China’s embassy expressed support for the Pakistani people in this difficult time, and Türkiye reiterated full solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.
Afghanistan’s foreign ministry also condemned the attack, calling it a violation of the sanctity of a mosque and a crime against civilians.
