JEDDAH, 22 December 2007 — Citizens and expatriates across the Kingdom yesterday described the suicide bombing at a mosque in Pakistan as the “most heinous and condemnable crime.” The bombing during an Eid Al-Adha congregation killed more than 50 people and injured many others.
“The bombing at the Eid prayers is the most heinous crime and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” Abdul Aziz Al-Faris, a businessman said.
The bomber blew himself up in a crowded mosque at the residential compound of Aftab Sherpao, an outspoken opponent of militancy who was the interior minister in the last government. Sherpao was reportedly unhurt in the attack, which hit the mosque as it was crowded with faithful offering Eid prayers.
“Islam does not allow this. He (the suicide bomber) has hurt the entire Muslim community by his senseless act and what he has done is against the Islamic teachings. Neither Islam nor humanity allows the killing of innocent people. We totally condemn it,” said Ehsanul Haque, convener of Pakistan Repatriation Council.
Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Qureshi, senior anesthesiologist at a major hospital, said he was shocked to learn about the tragedy when he switched on the TV in the morning. “It’s too shocking to describe in words. The mindless killing of Eid worshippers is highly condemnable. Those masterminding such acts should be arrested and punished. They are terrorists and stigma for Islam and humanity.”
The carnage comes at a time when Pakistan is preparing for national elections due on Jan. 8 and President Pervez Musharraf is battling to contain Taleban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants, a Pakistani journalist said.
“Condemning such acts is not enough. The masterminds behind those be tracked down and severely punished so that misguided people think twice before committing such heinous crimes,” he added.
“Whoever was the suicide bomber’s target, why did he kill so many innocent people offering prayers ? And how does he expect to get God’s blessings. No religion preaches such acts,” said Shahid Haider, a senior accounts manager in an advertising company.
“It apparently was a second attempt on Sherpao’s life because of his anti-terror campaign. He escaped unhurt in both attacks,” said Arshad Alam, a marketing executive in an electronic firm.
“The government and political parties must sit together and find ways to end suicide bombings. Such acts can destabilize the country. Musharraf imposed emergency to eradicate terrorists. And at the time of lifting the emergency he had said that the target was achieved. The question is whose target was achieved,” he asked.
