Russian President Putin sends condolences to Pakistan after Islamabad mosque attack

MOSCOW/ISLAMABAD (Shahid Ghumman) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed deep condolences to Pakistan’s leadership following a deadly terrorist attack near an imambargah in Islamabad that left at least 31 people dead and dozens injured.

In messages sent to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Russian leader condemned the attack and described the killing of worshippers during a religious gathering as a brutal and inhumane act of terrorism. The statements were released by the Kremlin after the incident shocked the country and triggered widespread condemnation.

According to the Kremlin statement, President Putin said the targeting of innocent civilians during prayers demonstrated the savage nature of terrorist violence and underscored the continuing threat posed by extremist groups. He conveyed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended sympathy to the families of the victims.

Local reports said the explosion occurred near the entrance of a Shia mosque in an area of Islamabad during Friday prayers. A suicide attacker is believed to have detonated explosives at the mosque gate as worshippers were arriving, causing heavy casualties and multiple injuries. Emergency teams rushed to the scene and shifted the wounded to nearby hospitals.

US, UK, Australia and Iran react after deadly Islamabad mosque suicide blast

President Putin’s condolence message stressed solidarity with Pakistan at a difficult time and reaffirmed Russia’s stance against terrorism in all its forms. He noted that attacks on religious gatherings were particularly heinous because they target civilians engaged in peaceful worship.

The Russian president expressed confidence that those responsible for the attack would be identified and held accountable. He also highlighted the importance of sustained international cooperation to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

The Kremlin said Putin shared the grief of the Pakistani people and state, and asked that his words of sympathy be conveyed to the bereaved families. He also sent wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blast.

In his communication with Pakistan’s leadership, President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to expand cooperation with Pakistan in counter-terrorism efforts. He said Moscow remained prepared to work closely with Islamabad in strengthening joint measures against militant threats.

Russia and Pakistan have increased security dialogue and cooperation in recent years, including intelligence sharing and regional counter-terror initiatives. Officials in both countries have repeatedly stressed the need for coordinated responses to cross-border and transnational terror networks.

Islamabad blast

Police and rescue officials said the explosion caused severe damage at the mosque entrance and surrounding area. Eyewitnesses reported panic and chaos as worshippers attempted to escape following the blast. Ambulances and security forces were deployed quickly, and the area was cordoned off for investigation.

At least 31 dead, 169 injured in suicide blast at Islamabad mosque

At least 31 people were confirmed dead, while dozens more sustained injuries of varying severity. Hospitals in the capital declared emergency measures to treat the wounded. Authorities launched a formal probe into the incident, while security across sensitive locations in the city was tightened following the attack.