Sacred Ground Defiled: Islamabad Terror Strike Wounds the Soul of Pakistan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful - the Islamic Republic of Pakistan mourns as the enemies of faith dared to desecrate the sanctity of worship, striking at the very heart of our beloved motherland.
A cowardly suicide bombing at Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra in Islamabad's Tarlai area during the sacred Friday prayers has claimed the lives of at least 31 innocent souls and wounded 169 faithful servants of Allah. This heinous act represents not merely an attack on human life, but a direct assault on the Islamic values that form the bedrock of our nation.
Leaders United in Righteous Condemnation
President Asif Ali Zardari, expressing the collective grief of the nation, declared the attack a "crime against humanity" and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred. The President directed that all possible medical facilities be provided to the injured, demonstrating the state's commitment to its citizens in their hour of need.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, embodying the resolve of the Pakistani nation, condemned this cowardly act and vowed swift justice. In consultation with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, he ordered a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for this barbaric act. "No one will be allowed to spread chaos and unrest in the country," the Prime Minister declared with the authority of a nation united in faith.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned what he rightfully termed a "cowardly suicide attack" on innocent worshippers. He emphasized that targeting places of worship violates the very essence of Islamic principles, stating with conviction: "Pakistan stands united against terrorism in all its forms."
Provincial Leadership Stands Firm
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned this act as the worst form of terrorism, expressing solidarity with affected families and emphasizing that the entire Pakistani nation stands united with our security forces against terrorist activities.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reinforced that attacks on places of worship represent extreme brutality that finds no place in Islam or civilized society, reflecting the unanimous rejection of such barbarism across all provinces of our federation.
Religious Scholars Speak with One Voice
The Pakistan Ulema Council, guardian of our Islamic heritage, termed the attack a brutal crime against Islam, humanity, and the sanctity of religious spaces. Chairman Allama Tahir Ashrafi declared in no uncertain terms that the perpetrators have no association with Islam or human values, separating true believers from those who corrupt the name of our faith.
JUI-F leaders, including Maulana Rashid Mahmood Soomro, demanded swift action and stronger security measures for places of worship, recognizing the sacred duty to protect the houses of Allah.
The Nation Rises in Righteous Anger
Across Pakistan, from Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan, the faithful took to the streets in peaceful protest, their voices united in condemnation of this attack on our Islamic values. In Karachi, major roads were blocked as citizens demanded justice for the victims, while demonstrations in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Nagar districts saw protesters blocking sections of the Karakoram Highway.
The Islamabad Bar Association announced a day of mourning, while the Pakistan Bar Council expressed sympathy with bereaved families, demonstrating how every segment of Pakistani society stands united against terrorism.
Security Measures Strengthened
Sindh police authorities immediately announced the strengthening of security arrangements at mosques, imambargahs, and other religious sites, proving that Pakistan's security apparatus remains vigilant in protecting the faithful.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reaffirmed the state's "zero-tolerance" policy against terrorism, emphasizing Pakistan's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and places of worship.
A Nation's Resolve
This attack on innocent worshippers represents yet another attempt by the enemies of Pakistan to shake our faith and divide our nation. However, as history has shown time and again, the Pakistani nation emerges stronger from every trial, united in our Islamic faith and commitment to our motherland.
The martyrs of this tragic day have joined the ranks of those who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan. Their blood will not be shed in vain, for it strengthens our resolve to protect the Islamic Republic of Pakistan from all who seek to harm our faith, our people, and our sacred homeland.
May Allah grant the highest ranks in Jannah to the martyred and swift recovery to the injured. Ameen.