PTI Extends Full Support to MWM's Call for National Mourning After Islamabad Tragedy
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially declared its full support for a nationwide day of mourning and protests organized by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM). This announcement comes in response to the devastating suicide bombing that targeted Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra during Friday prayers in Islamabad, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and approximately 169 injuries. The explosion, which occurred as worshippers gathered for Jumma prayers, represents the deadliest attack in the federal capital in over a decade and the most severe nationwide since the Peshawar mosque bombing in January 2023.
MWM Leader Condemns Security Failures and Announces Protests
Speaking to the media, MWM chief and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, strongly condemned the bombing and accused the government of failing to protect its citizens. "This tragedy occurred in the federal capital, not in some remote area," Abbas stated, highlighting serious concerns about security arrangements in Islamabad. He announced that a black day and day of mourning would be observed, with countrywide protests scheduled for the following Friday. Abbas rejected attempts to politicize the incident, emphasizing, "We do not want to play any blame game. In the world, if a government cannot provide protection to its people, it steps down." He further alleged that certain elements were seeking to incite sectarian tensions but insisted the issue was not sectarian, stating, "There is no Shia–Sunni issue here."
PTI's Official Statement and Political Criticism
In a statement issued on social media platform X, PTI expressed its unequivocal support for MWM's call for mourning and demonstrations. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja linked the protest to broader political discontent, referencing February 8, 2024, as the establishment of "a system built on injustice and falsehood." He added, "Tomorrow, we will express our disassociation from these thieves. A system of oppression cannot endure." Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) chief and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, cautioned against using the situation to incite public emotion. He criticized Pakistan's involvement in regional conflicts, saying, "We handed Pakistan over to others' wars," and called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to join the mourning.
Broader Political Reactions and Calls for Unity
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser described the government as having "completely failed" in providing security, noting that over 3,000 Pakistanis had fallen victim to terrorism in the past week. He rejected sectarian divisions, asserting, "In this country, Shia and Sunni are brothers," and called for constitutional supremacy. TTAP Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar highlighted the daily security incidents and deepening political polarization, urging an all-parties conference to develop a joint strategy against terrorism. "International conspiracies are casting their eyes on the country," he warned, pointing to challenges in the economy and law and order. Khokhar also appealed for peaceful observance, suggesting citizens remain at home to mark the day of mourning.
The coordinated response from PTI and other political figures underscores the widespread outrage and grief following the Islamabad attack, with calls for national unity and improved security measures dominating the discourse.
