Pakistan Mourns Repatriated Victims of Shiite Mosque Attack in Oman

The bodies of four Pakistanis killed in a Shiite mosque attack in Oman have been repatriated to Pakistan. Hundreds of mourners attended their funerals. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State group, highlights the persistent threat of terrorism. Pakistan offered support to Oman in combating terrorism.

The bodies of four Pakistanis killed in an attack on a Shiite mosque in Oman this week have been repatriated to Pakistan and handed to their families, officials stated on Friday.

Relatives were present when the Pakistan International Airlines flights landed at Islamabad and Lahore airports. According to airline spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, the government ordered the repatriation of the bodies, which were then handed over to the victims' families for burial.

Later, throngs of mourners attended funerals in the victims' respective hometowns.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack during a meeting with Oman's ambassador in Islamabad.

On Monday, gunmen attacked a mosque in Oman's capital, Muscat, where worshippers were holding prayers for the Shiite mourning festival of Ashoura. This festival commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, marking its first such claim in Oman. Omani police reported that the three Omani assailants, all brothers, were killed in a follow-up gunfight.

Among those inside the mosque were many Pakistanis who are part of the significant migrant community powering Oman's economy. Pakistan's ambassador to Oman, Imran Ali, stated that the attack was not targeted specifically at Pakistanis; however, some died trying to rescue others.

Prime Minister Sharif, in a meeting with Oman's ambassador Fahad Sulaiman, lauded the envoy's efforts in the repatriation of the bodies. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to support Oman in eradicating terrorism. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for collective action against terrorism. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch offered Pakistan's assistance in the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)