Terrorist attack in Islamabad
In the Lal Masjid bombing of 6 July 2008 at 7:50 pm local time, a 30-year-old suicide bomber blew himself up near the Lal Masjid mosque in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, killing 18 policemen and 1 civilian.[1] The bombing occurred on the first anniversary of the siege of Lal Masjid and was likely a revenge attack.[1] The attack occurred even amid tight security in Islamabad, where thousands of Islamic students in Pakistan came to mark the day when Pakistani troops stormed Lal Masjid.[2] Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who visited the blast site, said about 12,000 students attended the rally and the attack was directed at police.[3]
Bangladesh – The Foreign Affairs Adviser of the Interim Cabinet Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said "This was a heinous act of cowardice perpetuated by terrorists, and we condemn it in the strongest terms," adding "Terrorism cannot and will not win. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, and our sympathies to the Pakistani government and people."[6]
United Nations – Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson, Michele Montas said "The Secretary-General urges all political forces to unite against the scourge of terrorism and expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan."[7]