Grand Imam of Al-Azhar denounces Bajaur terror attack

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb terms deadly suicide attack contrary to teachings of all religions

In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the esteemed Grand Imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar mosque and university, has strongly denounced the act of violence.

The Council of Muslim Scholars, under his leadership, he said condemns such acts of terrorism, calling these in direct opposition to the teachings of all religions and the principles outlined in the Holy Books and Shariat.

In a heartfelt statement issued on Monday, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb emphasised the urgent need for a united global effort to combat this type of terrorism. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured victims.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday during a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) workers' convention in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district, has sent shockwaves across the Muslim world. The suicide blast claimed the lives of at least 46 people and left over 200 others wounded. The tragedy struck when more than 400 JUI-F members and supporters had gathered under a tent in the town of Khar, situated near the border with Afghanistan.

The horrific incident has sparked widespread outrage among the leadership of Muslim nations and heads of Muslim world bodies. They have unequivocally condemned the heinous crime and expressed their deep sympathy for the grieving families.

Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha, in a statement, condemned the explosion in the strongest terms.

Read more: Bajaur suicide attack unites Muslim world in condemnation

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry denounced the attack and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s rejection of violence and terrorism anywhere in the world, expressing that the Kingdom stood in full solidarity with Pakistan and its people.

Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf Jassim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi, also condemned the bombing and said that the position of the Council was firm.

Similarly, in a statement, the UAE foreign ministry also strongly condemned the terrorist attack and reiterated its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of human values and principles.

The State of Qatar also expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the explosion.

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani strongly condemned the attack and offered condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Iran to the government and people of Pakistan.

Besides Kuwait, the state of Egypt also condemned the bombing and renewed its firm stance toward its categorical rejection of all forms of violence.

“Egypt, government and people, expressed their sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of brotherly Pakistan in this painful affliction, and to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery for all the injured,” the Egyptian foreign ministry said.