Condemnations against the killing of JUI-S chief Samiul Haq started pouring in moments after news broke of his assassination at his residence in Rawalpindi.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently in China on an official visit, was informed about the incident. Issuing a statement from China he strongly condemned the murder saying “the country has suffered a great loss”.

The prime minister also directed the authorities to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Director General Inter Services Public Relations Asif Ghafoor also condemned the incident on behalf of Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Bajwa.

"COAS strongly condemns assassination of renowned religious scholar and political leader Moulana Sami ul Haq. Expresses grief and condolences to the bereaved family," said the Twitter statement.

President Dr Arif Alvi has also expressed sorrow and grief over the murder of Maulana Sami. Condemning this tragic incident, the president expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the JUI-S chief's murder. "I was very sad to learn this has happened. I pray God has mercy on Pakistan. May the deceased's ranks be raised [in Heaven] and may his bereaved family members be granted patience."

PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the murder and said: "Maulana Samiul Haq's murder is a despicable ploy to cause further disturbance in Pakistan. The nation must remain united in this time."

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar too expressed deep grief over the tragic incident. He extended heartfelt condolences to the aggrieved family and prayed for the departed soul.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted a statement of condemnation, saying he was very sad to learn of the incident and called it "a national tragedy".

"Pakistan has today been robbed of a highly sagacious and greatly acclaimed religious scholar," he tweeted.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has condemned the assassination and sought a report from the Inspector General of Punjab police.

Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi in a statement condemned the assassination, saying Maulana Sami’s political and religious services will be remembered.

Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser as well as Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri have both expressed condemnation for the attack and extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased JUI-S chief.

"He is ranked among the great religious scholars. The nation has been deprived of a huge religious and political figure," they said.

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari termed the incident “brutal” and “utterly condemnable”.

Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri said he is "deeply saddened by the tragic assassination of #MaulanaSamiulHaq" and urged the authorities to expedite the arrest "the killers and the masterminds" behind the attack.

Jamat-i-Islami (JI) Ameer Sirajul Haq also condemned the assassination of Maulana Samiul Haq, saying the deceased had served the country on both the religious and political front.

JUI-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has termed the incident an act of terrorism. While speaking to Geo News, he said:

"I express complete solidarity with all those who are in mourning. I am an alumni of Darul Uloom Haqqania. I studied there for eight years. I always had a relationship of immense love and respect with Maulana Samiul Haq. I will say this to all his loved ones that this is a shared grief of ours."

Political activist Jibran Nasir said: “Criminal violence in all its forms must be condemned,” adding that the assassination of Maulana Sami “can potentially make the existing crisis worse”.