Russian President Vladimir Putin sent letters of condolence to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Moscow : Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his readiness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism following a deadly suicide attack on an imambargah in Islamabad that left at least 31 people dead and scores injured.
The blast occurred on Friday in the Tarlai area of the capital, where a powerful explosion ripped through a crowded imambargah during a religious gathering. Police and local administration officials confirmed that at least 31 worshippers were killed and 169 others injured in the attack.
According to the Russian Embassy in Pakistan, President Putin sent letters of condolence to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.
“The killing of people during a religious ceremony is yet another testament to the barbaric and inhumane nature of terrorism,” Putin said in his message. “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 conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those wounded in the attack.
President Zardari, in his response, thanked Putin for his message of solidarity, saying Pakistan deeply values Russia’s support and the shared determination of both countries to combat terrorism in all its forms.
“I thank President Vladimir Putin for his kind letter of condolence on the tragic terrorist attack in Islamabad,” Zardari said. “Pakistan deeply appreciates Russia’s solidarity and our common resolve against terrorism.”
The attack prompted widespread condemnation and expressions of solidarity from the international community, with leaders and governments denouncing the violence as a crime against humanity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged the global response in a post on X, expressing gratitude for the messages of sympathy and support received from around the world.
“The support of our friends and partners has always remained critical in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts,” the prime minister said. He vowed that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice and that their attempts to destabilize the country would not succeed.
“The brave Pakistani nation stands united at this difficult time,” he added, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to defeating terrorism.
