Islamabad/ Pakistan- At least 31 people were martyred and 169 others injured in a suicide bombing at an imambargah during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, officials confirmed.
The blast took place at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra when a suicide bomber attempted to enter the premises. According to eyewitnesses, the attacker was stopped by security guards at the entrance, after which he opened fire and later detonated himself inside the building.
Witnesses said the main gate is about 30 metres from the imambargah’s entrance. When guards tried to stop the suspect, an exchange of fire occurred. The attacker then ran nearly 20 metres inside and exploded during prayers, causing heavy casualties.
Rescue teams immediately reached the site and shifted the injured and bodies to nearby hospitals. Security forces, including Pakistan Army troops and Rangers, sealed off the area and launched an investigation.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon announced an emergency at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital, and CDA Hospital. PIMS confirmed receiving at least 18 bodies and over 78 injured, while Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital treated four victims, one of whom later succumbed to injuries.
No group has claimed responsibility so far. However, police sources said the attackers were linked to “Fitna al-Khawarij.” Authorities confirmed that the suicide bomber had traveled to Afghanistan multiple times.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that India and Afghanistan were involved in supporting such attacks through proxies. He said preliminary investigations showed the attacker had visited Afghanistan several times and vowed a strong response from the state.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the bomber had been identified through NADRA records. He was a 32-year-old resident of Peshawar and not an Afghan national. The minister added that terrorists were deliberately targeting soft targets and revealed that a relative of the Islamabad IG was among the martyrs.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal imposed an emergency across all federally administered hospitals in Islamabad. Leaves of medical staff were cancelled, and all resources were mobilised for treating the injured. He warned that any negligence in medical care would not be tolerated.
In response to the tragedy, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz cancelled all Basant-related activities, while the Sindh government called off musical programs in solidarity with the victims.
Condolences poured in from national leaders. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow and termed the attack a crime against humanity. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing and ordered a thorough investigation, directing authorities to ensure swift medical assistance.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other political leaders, strongly denounced the attack, calling it a violation of Islamic principles and human values. Opposition leaders criticised the security lapse and demanded accountability.
Former finance minister Miftah Ismail and several other prominent figures described the attack as horrific and inhumane, stressing that targeting worshippers was an assault on peace, religion, and society.
The nation continues to mourn the loss of innocent lives as authorities pursue those responsible for the deadly attack.
Originally Published By: Geo News
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