Muslim Countries Rap Terrorist Blasts in Pakistan
On Friday, at least 52 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a suicide attack on a religious gathering to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
Later in the day, a blast ripped through a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which borders Afghanistan, officials said, killing at least five people.
The mosque’s roof collapsed in the blast, local broadcaster Geo News reported, adding that about 30 to 40 people were trapped under the rubble.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi in a message to Pakistani President Arif Alvi on Friday, denounced the terrorist bombings.
Raeisi said the "blind" action once again showed the terrorists, who have no understanding of the merciful teachings of Islam, pursue "no goal but to sow discord among Muslims."
"However, this time they will also fail to achieve their illegitimate and inhumane objectives."
The Iranian president condemned the "terrorist, anti-religious and anti-human" move and expressed his sympathy and condolences to his Pakistani counterpart and the Muslim nation of the country.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolutely ready to cooperate with Pakistan in the fight against any form of terrorism and extremism," Raeisi said.
He urged the international community, especially the Muslim countries, to "seriously react to this criminal act and prevent the recurrence of such bitter events."
The Iranian president expressed hope the perpetrators would be identified and punished as soon as possible.
Turkey also condemned also condemned the attacks, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives.
"We have learnt with deep sorrow that, more than 50 people lost their lives, and more than 100 people were injured at an attack against the community gathered for the Mawlid an-Nabi at a mosque on September 29, 2023, in the Mastung region in Pakistan's Balochistan province," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"We condemn this heinous attack targeting a place of worship on this holy day and we wish mercy upon those who lost their lives, convey condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those wounded in the attack," it said, adding that it shared in Pakistan's grief over the attack.
In the face of the "abhorrent terrorist attack" that targeted the "peace, stability and well-being of brotherly and friendly Pakistan," Turkey will continue to support Pakistan with determination in its fight against terrorism, it underlined.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also strongly condemned the terrorist blasts in Pakistan.
It expressed condolences to the family members of the victims, calling the action of the terrorists cowardly.
Source: Agencies
