Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Moscow’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism following the deadly suicide attack at an imambargah in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and injured dozens more.
According to police and administrative officials, a powerful bomb exploded inside the Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra in the Tarlai area of the capital on Friday, ripping through worshippers gathered for Friday prayers. At least 169 people sustained injuries, several of them critically.
In the wake of the attack, President Putin sent formal letters of condolence to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and condemning the attack in strong terms. The messages were conveyed through the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan.
“The killing of people during a religious ceremony is yet another testament to the barbaric and inhumane nature of terrorism,” Putin wrote. “I would like to reaffirm Russia’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation with our Pakistani partners in the fight against terrorism.”
The Russian president also extended sympathy to the families of the victims and conveyed wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the blast, underscoring Moscow’s solidarity with the people of Pakistan at a time of national grief.
Responding to the message, President Zardari thanked President Putin for his condolences and emphasized the importance Pakistan places on Russia’s support. “Pakistan deeply values Russia’s solidarity and our shared resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms,” he wrote.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged the international outpouring of support following the attack. In a post on X, he said Pakistan was grateful for the messages of sympathy received from across the globe, noting that the support of international partners remained critical to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice with full force,” the prime minister said, adding that the Pakistani nation stood united and resolute in its commitment to defeat terrorism.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from global leaders, with many describing it as a crime against humanity and reaffirming support for Pakistan’s fight against extremism.
Read more: Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule Emerges as Epicentre of Regional Terror Spillover
