Pakistan offers counter-terrorism support to Oman after deadly mosque attack

Pakistan Offers Support to Oman After Deadly Mosque Attack

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended Pakistan’s support to Oman following a devastating mosque attack in Muscat that claimed six lives, including four Pakistani nationals, and left dozens injured. This offer of assistance underscores the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Oman and highlights the importance of regional cooperation in combating terrorism.

Meeting with Omani Ambassador

Prime Minister Sharif made the offer during a meeting with Omani Ambassador Fahad Sulaiman Khalaf Al-Kharusi. The meeting followed the arrival of the bodies of the deceased Pakistanis who were killed in the attack. Sharif’s office issued a statement shortly after the meeting, expressing the Prime Minister’s strong condemnation of the “dastardly terrorist attack on Imam Bargah Ali bin Abu Talib in the Wadi Kabir district of Muscat.”

Details of the Attack

The attack occurred on Monday evening, marking the beginning of Ashura, an annual period of mourning observed by Shia Muslims to commemorate the 7th-century martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Three Omani brothers opened fire on worshippers at the Shia Muslim mosque, resulting in the deaths of six people, including an Indian national and a police officer who responded to the attack. The Daesh militant group claimed responsibility for the attack, highlighting their ongoing efforts to regain influence in the region.

Prime Minister’s Condemnation and Offer of Support

In his statement, Prime Minister Sharif condemned the attack, stating, “The Prime Minister strongly condemned the terrorist attack, which resulted in the death of six people, including four Pakistani nationals and over thirty injured, nearly all of whom were Pakistanis.” He also commended Oman’s swift response and cooperation with the Pakistan Mission in repatriating the bodies and providing medical treatment to the injured.

Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s own long-standing battle with terrorism and offered support to Oman in addressing this threat. “Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism for several decades,” he said. “We offer our support to Oman in dealing with this menace, which must be eliminated in all its forms.”

Repatriation of the Victims

The repatriation of the bodies of the four Pakistani victims was facilitated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The bodies were brought back to Pakistan and handed over to their grieving families, marking a somber moment for the nation. The return of the bodies provided some solace to the families and highlighted the strong ties between Pakistan and Oman.

Daesh’s Resurgence

The attack in Muscat is indicative of Daesh’s attempts to re-establish itself following significant losses to a US-led coalition in Iraq and Syria. The group’s efforts to gain a foothold in Gulf states like Oman are particularly concerning for regional stability. The possibility of Daesh gaining influence in key oil-producing nations would pose a significant threat to global security and economic stability.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

During the meeting with Ambassador Al-Kharusi, Prime Minister Sharif conveyed his good wishes to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and reiterated his invitation for the Sultan to visit Pakistan officially. Sharif emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, energy, and defense.

“The Prime Minister thanked the Ambassador for encouraging a trade and investment delegation to undertake a visit to Pakistan next week,” the statement read. Sharif assured the Omani envoy that Pakistani authorities would provide full cooperation to the delegation, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes.

Ambassador Al-Kharusi reciprocated Sharif’s sentiments, conveying greetings from His Majesty the Sultan of Oman and reaffirming Oman’s intent to enhance trade and investment ties with Pakistan. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support and underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing common challenges.

Economic Recovery Efforts

Pakistan, which narrowly avoided a default last year, is currently navigating a challenging path to economic recovery. The country recently secured a $7 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), providing a crucial financial lifeline. High-level exchanges with several countries, particularly Gulf states, are part of Islamabad’s broader strategy to boost trade and foreign investment, essential for the $350 billion economy.

The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s desire to strengthen economic ties with Oman, noting that enhanced cooperation in trade and investment would benefit both nations. He emphasized the importance of exploring new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in sectors such as energy and defense.

By fostering stronger economic and security partnerships, Pakistan and Oman aim to address common challenges and leverage opportunities for mutual growth and stability. This collaboration highlights the intertwined destinies of the two nations and their shared commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing regional prosperity.

Prime Minister Sharif’s offer of support to Oman in the wake of the mosque attack underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the threat of terrorism. The tragic events in Muscat serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extremist groups and the need for collective efforts to ensure security and stability in the region.

The acceptance of Pakistan’s support by Oman reflects the deep-rooted ties between the two nations and their shared commitment to fostering peace and prosperity. As both countries continue to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, their collaboration will play a crucial role in shaping the future of regional security and economic development.