Putin reaffirms readiness to ramp up anti-terror cooperation with Pakistan after ICT attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his readiness to further strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in combatting terrorism following the suicide attack on an Islamabad imambargah on Friday that killed at least 31 people and injured dozens.

Police and administration officials confirmed that a massive bomb tore through the Tarlai area imambargah on Friday, claiming the lives of at least 31 worshippers and injuring 169.

According to the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan, President Putin sent letters of condolence to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing sorrow over the terrorist attack.

In his message, Putin said, “The killing of people during a religious ceremony is yet another testament to the barbaric and inhumane nature of terrorism. I would like to reaffirm Russia’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation with our Pakistani partners in the fight against terrorism.”

He also conveyed his sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of the victims, extending “our wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured”.

Responding to Putin’s letter, President Zardari expressed gratitude, writing, “I thank President Vladimir Putin for his kind letter of condolence on the tragic terrorist attack in Islamabad. Pakistan deeply values Russia’s solidarity and our shared resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.”

There were outpourings of support and solidarity from other countries as well.

‘Crime against humanity’: Politicians, nations slam horrifying attack on Islamabad imambargah

PM Shehbaz reacted to the messages in a post on X: “I am grateful for the strong messages of sympathy and support that we have received from across the globe, in the wake of today’s heart wrenching suicide attack in Islamabad. The support of our friends and partners has always remained critical in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.

“The perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice with full force and their nefarious designs will never be allowed to succeed. The brave Pakistani nation stands united at this time and we remain fully committed to our resolve to defeat terrorism, as we always have.”