Türkiye condemns deadly suicide attack on mosque in Pakistan

The Turkish government has issued a firm condemnation of a major suicide attack that struck a mosque in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, during weekly prayers. In a statement released Friday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with Pakistan and denounced the terrorist bombing that targeted worshippers at a Shia Muslim place of worship, resulting in significant casualties.

Official Turkish statement of solidarity

The ministry's statement declared that Türkiye "strongly condemns the terrorist attack carried out today against a mosque during Friday prayers in Islamabad." It extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Pakistani people, wishing mercy upon those who lost their lives. The statement concluded by reaffirming that Türkiye would "continue to stand in solidarity with Pakistan" in its counterterrorism efforts, reinforcing the strong diplomatic and security partnership between the two nations.

Details of the attack and Pakistani accusations

The attack occurred at the Imambargah Mosque in Islamabad's Shehzad Town area, a site used by the Shia Muslim community. Pakistani authorities confirmed the death toll had risen to at least 31, with more than 169 individuals injured. In a swift and provocative response, Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesman for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, directly accused India of orchestrating the assault. He stated the attack was "only the latest in a series of murderous terrorist attacks orchestrated by India," vowing that such actions would not succeed in destabilizing Pakistan.

Broader context of regional tensions

The bombing and the subsequent accusation highlight the deeply strained relations between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India. Islamabad has frequently accused New Delhi of supporting militant groups to destabilize Pakistan, claims India consistently denies. The attack also underscores the persistent threat of sectarian violence within Pakistan, where Shia Muslims, constituting a significant minority, have often been targeted by Sunni extremist organizations. Türkiye's prompt condemnation aligns with its active diplomatic role in the Islamic world and its consistent policy of supporting fellow Muslim nations against terrorism.