ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries have condemned a suicide attack on a mosque in Pakistan’s Peshawar that on Friday killed at least 63 people and injured nearly 200.
The explosion occurred at the Shiite mosque in the congested Qissa Khawani bazaar as worshipers were offering Friday prayers.
Daesh militant group claimed the attack.
Authorities of Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries expressed their solidarity with Pakistan.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “strong condemnation of the terrorist bombing” and said the kingdom stood by “the brotherly Islamic Republic of Pakistan against all forms of violence and extremism.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates conveyed condolences to the Pakistani people and government.
“The UAE has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a mosque in the Pakistani city of Peshawar that killed many worshippers and left tens injured during the Friday sermon,” it said in a statement.
“The UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its firm rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilising security and stability in contravention of all human values and principles.”
Bahrain’s foreign ministry also offered condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of victims and Pakistani authorities.
“The Ministry affirms the Kingdom’s solidarity with Pakistan in all the measures it takes to maintain its security and stability, it stresses the need for the international community to unite against terrorist organizations and all those who support or finance them,” it said.
Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq also joined in condemning the attack and expressing their solidarity with Pakistan.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its support for all the measures it takes to maintain Pakistan’s security and stability.