President, PM lead strong condemnation against ‘direct attack on humanity’

Published: 05:35 PM, 6 Feb, 2026
Pakistan
President, PM lead strong condemnation against ‘direct attack on humanity’
Caption: Security personnel stand guard outside a mosque following an explosion, in Islamabad. AFP

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday strongly condemned the blast at an Imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad, and expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate messages, the president and the prime minister offered heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the elevation of ranks of those martyred in the incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while speaking with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, directed that the incident be thoroughly investigated and those responsible be identified and brought to justice immediately.

He also instructed the health minister to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured and asked him to personally monitor the relief efforts.

He stressed that no one would be allowed to create chaos and unrest in the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that targeting innocent people was a crime against humanity and reaffirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the affected families in this hour of grief.

The attack was widely condemned by political leaders and foreign diplomats, who labelled the incident “abhorrent” and “a direct attack on humanity, religion and social values”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also strongly condemned the suicide attack on innocent worshippers during the Friday prayers.

“Targeting places of worship and civilians is a heinous crime against humanity and a blatant violation of Islamic principles,” he added.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal strongly condemned the “cowardly” attack, writing on X that his heart went out to the victims’ families.

“Pakistan stands united against terrorism — we will bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry strongly condemned the attack in a post on X, expressing grief over the loss of lives in the “cowardly act”.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.

“Such 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,” the minister stressed.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sadness over the incident, extending “prayers for the swift recovery of the injured, and may Allah grant patience and strength to all those affected”.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi branded the attack “a cowardly and inhumane crime” and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives, a statement from his office read.

“The suicide attack in a place of worship is the worst example of enmity against humanity,” it read. “The provincial government equally shares the grief of the bereaved families.”

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said, “Targeting a place of worship and innocent worshippers is an assault on our faith, our values, and our shared humanity.”

Expressing his grief, he emphasised that the people of KP stood 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,” the governor said.

“The 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.”

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the bombing, noting that the people of his province were “not unfamiliar with this grief [and] know how deep the wound of terrorism is”.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he added.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan strongly condemned the attack and condoled withe deceased families. He hoped that the terrorists would be eliminated and federal and provincial institutes will work closely to win this fight against terrorism.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the blast and called targeting citizens in a mosque “an attack on humanity, religion, and the national conscience”, according to a statement from the PPP.

“No religion or ideology permits the murder of innocent people,” he was quoted as saying. “Terrorism in all its forms is an attack on Pakistan’s unity and values.”

Bilawal demanded that an immediate and transparent investigation of the incident be conducted, and the “perpetrators and their facilitators [be] brought to justice”.

He added that effective measures must be put in place to protect places of worship and stressed that the nation must stand united against “hatred, extremism, and terrorism”.

Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident.

“Such 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,” he said in a post on X.

Abbas strongly condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

“Targeting places of worship is a direct attack on humanity, religion and social values, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.

He also appealed to the youth in Islamabad to donate blood at hospitals and “play their part in saving precious lives”.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman termed the attack “regrettable and condemnable”, calling the perpetrators “enemies of humanity and deserving no leniency”.

“After Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, now even in Islamabad, terrorist activities are continuing relentlessly,” he said. “No part of the country is safe from terrorists.”

Fazl noted that institutions’ “pride in their performance” had come into question amid these circumstances.

“The nation cannot be reassured by relying on rulers’ visits and statements of condemnation after major tragedies,” Fazl was quoted as saying.

“If institutions remain free from political interference, they should focus on peace, security and [the] protection of the people’s lives and property.”

He also observed that national and international elements inciting sectarianism “cannot be overlooked”.

“Despite the presence of dozens of intelligence agencies, Islamabad was stained with blood during broad daylight. The attack is a failure of the agencies,” Fazl added.

The JUI-F chief questioned when state institutions would address the public’s issues and whether a system would be implemented for “protecting the future of the people and coming generations.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq condemned the attack in a statement, stating that the “despicable act of the suicide attacker belonging to Fitna al Hindustan is a cowardly act”.

Extending condolences to the victims, he added, “A terrorist attack on innocent and defenceless worshippers is a cowardly act, and no amount of condemnation is enough.”

Sadiq called terrorists “enemies of humanity”, asserting that they have no connection with any religion.

“Terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan will never succeed in their filthy designs,” the statement read. “The cowardly actions of the terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan can never shake the resolve of the security forces and the nation in the fight against terrorism.”

Deputy NA Speaker Ghulam Mustafa strongly condemned the attack and expressed “profound grief and sorrow”, according to a statement from the lower house of parliament.

“The attack on innocent worshippers is a cowardly act,” Mustafa was quoted as saying. “This malicious act is a failed attempt to sabotage societal peace.”

Noting that terrorists “have no connection to any religion or humanity”, the deputy speaker vowed that terrorists would never succeed in their goals and that “the terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan will not be allowed to harm Pakistan’s peace and stability”.

“The entire nation stands united against terrorism. The terrorists’ cowardly actions cannot weaken the resolve of the nation and security forces,” Mustafa added.

US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker said the United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Islamabad that left innocent worshippers dead and injured. We condemn all acts of terror and violence, including this attack.

"On 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. 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 United States 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."   

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack and expressed 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.

The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan said they condemned in the strongest possible terms today's heinous terrorist attack on the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabad, which claimed dozens of innocent lives.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to all those injured," it wrote on X.

The Turkish Embassy issued a statement condemning the bombing, calling it “abhorrent” and praying for the recovery of the injured.

“We share the deep sorrow of the families who lost their loved ones and pray for Allah’s mercy upon the victims,” the statement read.

“Turkiye stands firmly with our brother Pakistan. We remain fully committed to supporting Pakistan in its fight against all forms of terrorism.”

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam condemned the incident in a post on X on behalf of the government and the people Iran.

“On 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.”

“I extend my sincere and deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families,” he said.

https://x.com/IranAmbPak/status/2019719020149391471

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott took to X and extended her thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

“Outraged and heartbroken by the horrific attack at Imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers,” she said. “Such violence is abhorrent. We stand with Pakistan.

Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said he was shocked and saddened by the horrific attack at a mosque.

"My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected. Australia stands and mourns with Pakistan at this difficult time."

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 affirmed in a statement.

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.

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

German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel said that her country mourned the loss of life in today’s “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 Dutch Embassy also issued a statement, condemning today’s bombing and extending their thoughts and prayers for the deceased, the injured and the victims’ families.

“We recall the recent shocking terrorist attacks in Balochistan & stand against all forms of terrorism,” the statement read.

Spanish Embassy also expressed their strongest condemnation of the terrorist attack perpetrated in Islamabad, and extended their condolences to the victims, their families and the Government of Pakistan.

Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statemnt on X condemning the today's terrorist attack. "We extend our deep condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones and wish for a swift and full recovery for the injured," the statement read. 

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