The office of Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani on Friday released a statement condemning the terrorist attack that targeted buses carrying Shia Muslims in Pakistan, resulting in dozens of martyrs and injured.
According to the statement, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani extended his condolences and sympathies to the grieving families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
“The Religious Seminary in Holy Najaf and the Supreme Religious Authority condemn this horrific crime targeting Muslim unity, and call on the respected Pakistani government to take necessary measures to support the oppressed people in confronting the injustices and crimes of terrorist groups,” the statement read.
The attack occurred on Thursday when a gunman opened fire on a convoy of 200 passenger vehicles in Kurram, near the Afghan border. Pakistani authorities announced today that 42 civilians were killed, but local residents said the number could be higher.
According to media reports, survivors, including women and children, sought refuge in nearby houses as authorities launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Earlier this week, Pakistani authorities said that over 20 soldiers were killed in separate incidents, with responsibility claimed by militant groups Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hafiz Gul Bahadur’s faction.
