New Delhi has categorically dismissed allegations from Pakistan suggesting any Indian involvement in the suicide bombing that struck a Shia mosque in Islamabad, an attack that claimed at least 31 lives and left 169 others injured.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the explosion, which occurred during Friday prayers at the Khadijah al-Kubra mosque-cum-imambargah in the Tarlai area, as “condemnable.” In a statement, the MEA extended condolences to the victims’ families and those affected by the tragedy.
The powerful blast took place when a suicide bomber detonated explosives, according to police reports. The incident has heightened concerns over security in Pakistan’s capital.
While condemning the violence, the MEA criticised Pakistan’s response to the attack. It noted that it was regrettable that, rather than confronting the deep-seated issues undermining its social cohesion and security, Pakistan opted to deflect responsibility by attributing its domestic problems to external actors.
“India rejects any and every such allegation, which is as baseless as it is pointless,” the ministry asserted.
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The accusations originated from Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who, in a social media post and without presenting supporting evidence, claimed links between the attack and both India and Afghanistan. He specifically alleged that the perpetrator had travelled to and from Afghanistan, asserting that “collusion between India and Afghanistan is being revealed.”
The MEA’s sharp rebuttal underscores New Delhi’s longstanding position against unsubstantiated claims of involvement in incidents within Pakistan. The statement highlights a pattern where Islamabad attributes internal security lapses to neighbouring countries instead of addressing root causes within its own borders.
This exchange follows the immediate aftermath of the attack, which targeted worshippers at a Shia religious site and has drawn widespread condemnation regionally and internationally. No additional details on the perpetrators or claimed responsibility were referenced in the official responses from either side.
