Sarfraz Bugti, the interim interior minister, claimed on Saturday that Pakistan has been the target of terrorist attacks carried out by the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), an intelligence agency of India.
Two suicide bombings that occurred on Friday in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan shook the nation and left numerous people injured.
At a news conference in Quetta, Bugti swore to uphold the state’s writ no matter what.
According to Bugti, the authorities are aware of those responsible and would get revenge for every Pakistani victim’s blood.
The minister also promised to use all available means to end terrorism, emphasizing that terrorists and those who aid them have no place in the nation.
Insisting that “We Know Who Is Doing It and From Where,” Bugti said.
In the rural Balochistan district of Mastung, a suicide bomber targeted an Eid Milad un Nabi parade, killing at least 52 people, including a police officer, and injuring 60 more. Another suicide bombing occurred in KP’s Hangu, decimating a mosque and leaving five people dead, including a police officer, and 12 others hurt.
The two attacks occurred on Friday, the day before Friday prayers and the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In the meantime, a case has been opened at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Quetta against unidentified terrorists for the suicide attack that occurred during the Eid Miladun Nabi procession preparation in Balochistan’s Mastung area.
A CTD spokeswoman told that the perpetrators have been charged with crimes under the murder, attempted murder, anti-terrorism, and explosive acts.
The official noted that although there haven’t been any arrests yet, investigations into the incident are still ongoing.
In response to a query, the federal minister stated that four footballers had been found in Dera Bugti by the authorities, and the other players will be found shortly.
Six football players were kidnapped earlier this month on September 9 from Dera Bugti in Balochistan as they were traveling to Sibbi.
Int’l community tweets on attacks
The Mastung and Hangu terrorist assaults were harshly denounced by the world community, including the United States, who also expressed their condolences to the families of the victims of the explosions.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller voiced Washington’s condemnation of the “suicide attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed and injured worshippers and others” in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The U.S. condemns suicide attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed and injured worshippers and others. Pakistanis deserve to practice their faith without fear. Our deep condolences to families who lost their loved ones.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) September 29, 2023
Donald Blome, the US ambassador to Pakistan, also expressed the US’ support for Pakistan in a separate post on the social media platform X, adding that the country’s thoughts are with the victims and their families.
“The Pakistani people deserve to gather and celebrate their faith without the fear of terror attacks like the ones today in Balochistan and KP. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We will continue to stand with Pakistan in the face of these vicious attacks.” -DB
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 29, 2023
The terrorist assaults were also denounced and condemned by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering attitude demanding the rejection of violence and terrorism wherever it occurs.
Saudi Arabia pledged its entire support for Pakistan and its comradely people during this historic occasion.
In a statement condemning the attacks, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the United Arab Emirates said: “The UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts, and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of human values and principles.”
#UAE condemns terrorist bombings In #Balochistan and #Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan https://t.co/A327fr5xy3
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) September 29, 2023
Iraq, Algeria, France, Turkey, and Egypt were among the other nations to denounce the terrorist acts.
In their individual statements, they expressed sorrow at the loss of innocent lives and pledged support for Pakistan’s leadership and people.
Along with reaffirming their opposition to all forms of violence, terrorism, and intimidation of civilians, the governments also prayed for the injured to heal quickly and painlessly.
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