President thanks global community for solidarity, warns against re-emergence of pre-9/11 terror threats

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep gratitude to leaders and nations across the world for their messages of solidarity with Pakistan in this moment of grief, saying the support reflects a shared commitment to peace and security.

In Friday’s attack a man opened fire at the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah compound on the outskirts of Islamabad, then detonated a bomb that killed 32 people, as well as himself, and injured more than 170.

Thousands of mourners gathered in the federal capital on Saturday to start burying the people killed in the suicide bombing, as the city tightened security and authorities arrested four people believed to have helped the bomber.

The president said Pakistan is humbled by the strong and sincere expressions of sympathy received from world leaders, governments and international organisations, noting that these messages have provided comfort to the people of Pakistan and strength to the families who have lost loved ones.

He said the outpouring of international support reaffirms that terrorism and the violent ideologies that sustain it represent a collective global challenge, requiring shared responsibility and coordinated action.

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President Zardari observed that Pakistan has long maintained that terrorism cannot be effectively countered by any single country acting in isolation. Drawing from Pakistan’s decades-long experience, he said when terrorist networks are allowed space, facilitation or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences ultimately extend far beyond one region and are borne by innocent civilians worldwide.

In this context, the president warned against regional environments that resemble conditions prevailing before September 11, 2001, when unchecked militant groups operating from ungoverned spaces posed a growing threat to international peace and security.

He expressed serious concern over the situation in Afghanistan, noting that the prevailing conditions under the Taliban regime have enabled the resurgence of extremist elements, creating risks not only for Pakistan but for the wider region and the international community.

He stressed that any tolerance, facilitation or external support for such conditions undermines collective global efforts to combat terrorism.

President Zardari said Pakistan remains firmly committed to working with the international community to prevent a return to an era marked by transnational terror threats, instability and violence.

He emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation, accountability and a shared resolve to deny terrorist groups the space and support they require to operate.

The president once again thanked the global community for standing with Pakistan, saying the solidarity demonstrated in this difficult hour reinforces Pakistan’s determination to continue partnering with the world for peace, stability and the complete eradication of terrorism in all its forms.