ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combat militancy in collaboration with the international community on Friday as he expressed support for Indonesian efforts against extremism after explosions in a mosque injured dozens during Friday prayers in Jakarta, his office said.
At least 55 people were hospitalized after the blasts, with Indonesian officials indicating the explosions may have been an attack after identifying a 17-year-old as a suspected perpetrator.
Videos from the scene showed police armed with assault rifles guarding the iron gates of the compound where the explosions occurred as emergency and armored vehicles lined the street.
“President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Indonesia in the fight against terrorism and extremism, noting that Pakistan has itself suffered greatly and rendered immense sacrifices in this struggle,” the President’s Secretariat said in a statement.
“The President said that Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Indonesia and the international community in its commitment to defeat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The statement added Zardari expressed “deep sorrow and concern” over the explosion, conveyed his sympathies to the Indonesian government and people and wished a swift recovery for the injured.
Pakistan and Indonesia have long cooperated on counterterrorism efforts and shared intelligence to combat extremist threats.
The two countries established a joint working group to combat militancy in 2005, following talks between former Indonesian and Pakistani Presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Pervez Musharraf.
Last year, Pakistan and Indonesia participated in a week-long joint military exercise named Elang Strike-II to counter militancy.
This was the second exercise carried out by the two countries together in the counter-terrorism domain.
With input from Reuters
