World Condemns Daesh Bombing of Shiite Mosque in Pakistan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The bombing of a Shiite mosque in the northern Pakistani city of Peshawar, which was claimed by the Daesh terrorist group, drew widespread outrage from throughout the world, with the UN's chief stressing that houses of worship should be safe havens, not targets of attacks.
The horrific blast occurred as worshipers gathered for congregational Friday prayers at the Kucha Risaldar mosque in Peshawar's old city neighborhood, killing at least 56 people and injuring 194.
On its Amaq propaganda site, the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying that one of its members "successfully assaulted a Shiite mosque in Peshawar."
The attack was the deadliest terrorist attack in Pakistan since a terrorist explosion killed 149 people, including nine children, at an electoral rally in the southern province of Balochistan in 2018.
The Pakistani Human Rights Commission (HRCP) strongly denounced the suicide bombing on Friday.
“The assault was clearly intended to target Shiite worshipers and bears the hallmarks of sectarian outfits that have been allowed to run amok in recent years,” the HRCP said in a statement.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the “horrific attack” on Peshawar mosque and said, “Houses of worship should be havens, not targets.”
“Houses of worship should be havens, not targets. I condemn today’s horrific attack on a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, during Friday prayers. My condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and my solidarity with the people of Pakistan,” Guterres said in a tweet.
In Brussels, a spokesperson for European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called the attack a "heinous crime" and pledged continued support to Pakistan in its counter-terrorism efforts.
Ali Bahadori Jahromi, the Iranian administration's spokesman, censured the Western so-called human rights advocates over remaining silent about the deadly blast in Peshawar.
“During the days when the windows of all the world's media were adorned with slogans of peace and opposition to war and violence, 56 oppressed Pakistani Shiites, in the heavy silence of the media, strangely lost their blood. Bloody Friday #Peshawar is a testament to the hollow claims of Western human rights,” Bahadori Jahromi wrote in a Persian-language tweet.
“Peace and blessings of God be upon the oppressed martyrs of Peshawar,” he added.
Iraq's most prominent Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, called on the Pakistani government to find a solution to prevent crimes perpetrated by terrorist groups against innocent civilians, especially religious minorities.
Ayatollah Sistani urged Islamabad in a statement not to allow the terrorist groups to launch brutal attacks and called on Pakistan to take preventive measures to stop such atrocities.
The statement added that this heinous crime is aimed at undermining Islamic unity, and expressed condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the bombing attack.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry stressed the Kingdom’s position against “targeting places of worship, terrorizing civilians and shedding innocent blood,” adding that it supports Pakistan against all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism.
The United Arab Emirate (UAE) issued a statement condemning the deadly attack and said it rejected all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilizing security and stability in the region.
The UAE also said that such brutal violence against civilians was inconsistent with humanitarian values and principles.
Kuwait expressed solidarity with Pakistan and reaffirmed support for all measures it takes to maintain its security and stability, while Egypt and Jordan also issued similar statements condemning the attack.
Also on Friday, Turkey condemned the attack and said it was “deeply saddened” by the suicide bombing that hit the Shiite mosque in Peshawar.
“We are deeply saddened by the news that a bomb attack, which was carried out today against a mosque in Peshawar, capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in a written statement.
“We condemn this heinous terrorist attack and wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, speedy recovery to the injured and convey our condolences to the friendly and brotherly government and people of Pakistan,” it added.
