At least 56 people were killed and scores injured in a horrifying and tragic suicide attack on two religious ceremony sites in Pakistan on Monday. The monstrous attack––which occurred in a mainly Shia Muslim neighborhood in Quetta city––came as a while nation of Pakistan experienced grief and deep sorrow.
According to local police reports, a first bomber reportedly targeted the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta City. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed that at least nine people inside of the church were killed and up to one hundred were injured in the attack, including women and children.
The second bombing apparently occurred at an Islamic seminary and teachers’ accommodation complex nearby. There, 47 people were killed while at least ten were injured.
The Islamic State group, or ISIS, claimed responsibility for both attacks in a statement released Monday afternoon. However, the Quetta police chief has ruled out that the terrorist organization was somehow behind the coordinated attacks.
Muslims in Pakistan, and in the rest of the world, are reeling from Monday’s heinous attack. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has spoken out to condemn the bombings and shared his sorrow on behalf of his deeply wounded nation. He encouraged all residents of Pakistan to exercise caution and remain tranquil in the face of violence and aggression.
The people of Pakistan have come together to mourn those lost in Monday’s bombing and to lend support to those who were injured. Many have offered their condolences on social media, expressing sorrow and outrage.
Monday’s attack has brought feelings of intense sadness and grief, but the nation of Pakistan will undoubtedly draw strength from its unity and share support through thick and thin.
At the time of writing, Quetta’s police chief has reported that security forces are working to search for the attackers and bring them to justice.
The tragedy of the bombings in Quetta City will not be forgotten any time soon. Our hearts are with the people of Pakistan as the country recovers and reflects together in the wake of this devastating bombing.