Pakistan: Religious Leaders Condemn Bondi Beach Terror Attack, Express Solidarity with Victims

Religious leaders in Pakistan have strongly condemned the terrorist attack on members of the Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and expressed deep solidarity with the victims and their families.

Speaking at a press conference held on December 16, 2025, at Jamia Munir-ul-Islamia in Lahore, under the leadership of Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh leaders denounced the attack and reaffirmed their collective commitment to peace and harmony.

The leaders also announced that December 19, 2025, would be observed as a “Day of Condemnation” against terrorism. They pledged their support for Pakistan’s armed forces in combating terrorism and extremism and reiterated their resolve to work together for peace, tolerance, interfaith harmony, and national unity.

“Terrorists are terrorists. They have no concern for humanity and pursue only their own agendas. They do not represent any religion or faith,” Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said. “It deeply saddens us when innocent people are attacked, killed, or injured. As a representative of the Muslim community in Pakistan, I strongly condemn this attack and express our solidarity with the people of Australia.”

The Islamic cleric also praised the bravery of a civilian who risked his life to save innocent people during the attack at Bondi Beach.

Fr. James Channan, OP, Director of the Peace Centre in Lahore, also condemned the deadly assault on the Jewish community. Expressing his grief, he said, “We are praying for the departed souls, for the speedy recovery of those injured, and for comfort for all who have lost their loved ones. As Christians, we offer our deepest sympathies to the grieving families and special prayers in our churches.”

The Dominican priest added, “We also pray for the attackers and terrorists around the world, that God may change their hearts and minds, so that peace may prevail and actions that harm humanity may cease.”

Sardar Kalyan Singh, a human rights activist representing the Sikh community in Pakistan, said, “Our delegation strongly condemns this deadly attack on people who were celebrating their religious festival. It is a shameful act to target people while they are performing their religious duties.”

According to reports, on the afternoon of December 14, 2025, two terrorists, a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son, attacked members of the Jewish community who were celebrating the Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack left 15 people dead and 25 others injured.

During an exchange of fire with police at the scene, the father, identified as Sajid Akram, was killed, while his son, Naveed Akram, was injured.