India Firmly Rejects Pakistan's Accusations Over Islamabad Mosque Bombing
India has issued a strong and unequivocal rejection of Pakistan's allegations that New Delhi was involved in the devastating suicide bomb attack at a Shia mosque in Islamabad. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, labeled the claims as "baseless and pointless" and accused Pakistan of choosing to "delude itself" by blaming external forces for its internal security challenges.
Details of the Tragic Attack
The tragic incident occurred during Friday prayers at the Khadijatul Kubra mosque-cum-imambargah in the Tarlai area of Pakistan's federal capital. According to police sources, a suicide bomber detonated explosives, resulting in at least 31 fatalities and over 169 injuries. The attack has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting ongoing security vulnerabilities.
India's Official Response
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Jaiswal expressed India's condolences for the loss of life while firmly rejecting any suggestion of involvement. "The bombing at an Islamabad mosque earlier today is condemnable and India condoles the loss of life it has caused," he stated. He further emphasized that "it is unfortunate that, instead of seriously addressing the problems plaguing its social fabric, Pakistan should choose to delude itself by blaming others for its home-grown ills."
Pakistan's Allegations and Internal Statements
The diplomatic exchange was triggered by remarks from Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, who claimed without presenting evidence that India and Afghanistan were involved in the attack. Asif asserted that "it has been proved the terrorist involved in the attack travelled to and from Afghanistan" and alleged collusion between the two nations.
Additional comments from Pakistani officials included:
- Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry stated that forensic analysis showed the attacker had traveled to Afghanistan multiple times, though he was not an Afghan national. He accused terrorists of being motivated by financial gain, saying "they are paid in dollars" and urged Afghanistan not to become India's proxy.
- Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry condemned the blast as a "cowardly act" and called for national unity and solidarity with law enforcement agencies.
International Condemnation and Context
The attack has drawn condemnation from several countries, including Iran, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This incident marks another grim chapter in Pakistan's struggle with militant violence, coming less than three months after a suicide bomber killed 12 people outside a court building in Islamabad. The recurring nature of such attacks underscores the persistent security threats facing the nation.
India's firm rebuttal reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries, with New Delhi consistently denying any involvement in Pakistan's internal security issues and urging Islamabad to address its domestic challenges directly.
