Islamabad: A devastating suicide bombing inside a mosque and imambargah in Pakistan’s federal capital has resulted in heavy casualties, with at least 31 people martyred and more than 169 injured, officials confirmed on Friday.
According to police, the explosion occurred during Friday prayers at Imambargah and Mosque Khadijat-ul-Kubra in the suburban area of Tarlai, Islamabad. The blast was so powerful that it was heard from a considerable distance, shattering windowpanes of nearby buildings.
Soon after the incident, police, rescue teams, and the bomb disposal squad rushed to the scene and launched relief and security operations.
Police said the suicide bomber, affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij, detonated himself after being stopped at the entrance of the mosque, causing massive loss of life.
The Deputy Commissioner Islamabad later confirmed that the death toll had risen to 31, while 169 people sustained injuries. Following the attack, an emergency was declared in all major hospitals of the federal capital.
Hospital authorities reported that more than 100 injured victims were brought to different medical facilities. Of these, 60 were shifted to PIMS Hospital, 13 to Polyclinic, 27 to Federal General Hospital, and two to Benazir Hospital.
Due to a shortage of space at PIMS Hospital, several injured individuals were transferred to other hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for further treatment.
Security agencies have launched an investigation into the attack, while heightened security measures have been enforced across the capital.
Condemnations:
President Asif Ali Zardari:
“Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity,” President Zardari said, adding that the nation stands united with the affected families in this difficult time. He directed authorities to ensure all possible medical assistance to the victims.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed profound grief, extending condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry visited PIMS to inquire about the condition of the injured.
Meanwhile, Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar ordered heightened security across the province, directing authorities to further tighten security at Imambargahs, mosques, and other religious sites. He emphasized increased police patrolling in sensitive areas, effective snap-checking, organized roadblocks, and strict monitoring at entry and exit points.
The minister also instructed the deployment of plainclothes personnel, ensured the use of walk-through gates and metal detectors, and ordered that CCTV cameras remain fully functional.
Citizens have been urged to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the police helpline 15, as authorities stress that public cooperation is vital amid heightened security measures.
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