Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday stated that certain neighbouring countries have become complicit in terrorist activities by providing direct financing, technical assistance and other forms of support to militant groups operating against Pakistan.
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He made the remarks while thanking global leaders and nations for expressing solidarity with Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Islamabad that claimed at least 33 lives and left dozens injured, according to a statement issued by the President Secretariat’s media wing.
President Zardari reiterated that terrorism cannot be countered by any single country acting alone and requires coordinated international efforts.
Condemnations from around the world poured in after a suicide bomber opened fire and detonated himself at the entrance of the Imambargah and Mosque Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers on February 6.
Later, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that law enforcement agencies had arrested the mastermind behind the suicide attack, who was linked to the outlawed Daesh group, along with the attacker’s facilitators.
President Zardari said Pakistan’s experience had demonstrated that when terrorist organisations are given space, facilitation or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians worldwide.
He stated that “certain neighbouring countries” had become partners in crime by allowing terrorist groups to operate against Pakistan, while others had provided them with direct financial, technical and military support.
The president also criticised the Afghan Taliban regime for allowing terrorist groups to launch attacks inside Pakistan against both security forces and civilians. He said the Taliban’s actions had worsened Afghanistan’s situation beyond the pre-9/11 era, when terrorist networks posed serious threats to global peace.
President Zardari further alleged that Pakistan’s eastern neighbour was assisting the Afghan Taliban regime, posing a threat not only to Pakistan but also to regional and international security.
Expressing gratitude to world leaders, governments and international organisations, the president said Pakistan was humbled by the strong and sincere outpouring of support during this time of national grief.
He added that messages of sympathy and solidarity had brought comfort to the people of Pakistan and strength to the bereaved families, reaffirming that the fight against terrorism is a shared global responsibility and a common struggle.
