Russia condemns 'in strongest possible terms' deadly mosque attack in Pakistan’s capital

By Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Russian Embassy in Pakistan on Friday condemned “in strongest possible terms” what it described as a “heinous terrorist attack” targeting a mosque in the capital, Islamabad, during Friday prayers.

“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to all those injured,” the embassy said in an official statement.

Separately, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan among other countries also condemned the suicide attack, expressing condolences to the people of Pakistan.

Pakistani authorities said at least 31 people were killed and more than 169 others injured in the attack.

The attacker detonated himself when confonted by security at Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra, a Shia Muslim place of worship in Shehzad Town area.

Mosharraf Zaidi, spokesman for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, blamed India.

“India's terrorist proxies will neither slow down economic recovery, nor divide Pakistani hearts, nor undermine Pakistan's growing diplomatic capital,” Zaidi wrote on US social media company X.

New Delhi has yet to respond to the allegations made by Islamabad.