ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has accused “certain neighbouring countries” of enabling terrorist violence against Pakistan by offering financial, technical and logistical support to militant groups.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the President Secretariat, Zardari thanked international leaders and governments for their expressions of solidarity following the deadly terrorist attack in Islamabad that killed at least 33 people and injured dozens more. He stressed that Pakistan deeply values the support shown by the global community during this difficult time.
The president emphasised that terrorism cannot be defeated by any single nation acting alone, warning that militant networks thrive when they are given safe havens or allowed to operate with impunity beyond national borders.
His remarks followed widespread international condemnation of Friday’s suicide bombing at the entrance of the Imambargah and Mosque Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi later confirmed that law enforcement agencies had apprehended the alleged mastermind of the attack, along with facilitators, noting the suspect’s links to the banned Daesh group.
Drawing on Pakistan’s long experience with terrorism, President Zardari said that when militant organisations receive cross-border support, the fallout is felt far beyond one country, with civilians across the world paying the price. He alleged that some neighbouring states have effectively become complicit by allowing terrorist groups to target Pakistan and by providing them with direct financial, technical and even military assistance.
The president also criticised the Afghan Taliban authorities, accusing them of permitting militant groups to carry out attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces from Afghan soil. He said the situation in Afghanistan had deteriorated to levels worse than those seen before 9/11, when terrorist organisations posed a serious threat to international peace.
In addition, Zardari claimed that Pakistan’s eastern neighbour was supporting the Afghan Taliban regime, warning that such actions endanger not only Pakistan but also regional and global stability.
Concluding his statement, President Zardari expressed appreciation for the messages of sympathy and solidarity received from world leaders, governments and international organisations. He said these gestures had provided comfort to the nation and to grieving families, while reinforcing the understanding that combating terrorism is a shared global responsibility.
