Suicide attack in Islamabad Imambargah kills 32; More than 160 injured; President and Prime Minister condemn explosion
An elderly man tries to comfort his young companion broken by the death of loved ones in a suicide attack at an Imambargah in Islamabad. Photo: Reuters
ISLAMABAD:
A devastating suicide attack ripped through a crowded Imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area on Friday, martyring at least 32 devotees and injuring more than 160, as the federal capital was shaken to its core by one of the deadliest terrorist attacks it has witnessed in recent years, police and administration officials said.
The attacker detonated explosives as worshipers offered Friday prayers at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra on the outskirts of the city. The force of the explosion, heard hundreds of meters away, sent a shockwave through nearby neighborhoods, triggering panic and confusion as people fled for safety.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed that 32 people were killed and 169 others injured, many seriously. Among the martyrs was a cousin of Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi.
Two police officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the attacker was arrested at the imambargah gate before detonating the bomb. State broadcaster PTV News reported that the suicide bomber had been identified.
In a report published on social media platform Official verification of these claims was not immediately available.
Videos circulating on social media showed worshipers dead or injured inside the imambargah, with debris and broken glass strewn across the carpeted prayer hall. Some victims were also seen outside on lawns as survivors called for help.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. In the past, similar attacks have been attributed to the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic Khorasan Province (ISKP).
However, some police sources blamed “Fitna al-Khawarij”.
In its report, PTV News also said that terrorist groups present in Afghanistan pose a wider threat to regional security and claimed that there is an Afghanistan-India nexus behind the attacks in Pakistan.
Police, 1122 Rescue, firefighters and other emergency workers arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion and launched rescue and relief operations.
The injured were shifted to various hospitals in the capital, including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Hospital, where a state of emergency was declared.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the government was using all available resources to ensure the best possible treatment for victims, adding that no negligence would be tolerated as he was personally overseeing the response.
He condemned the attack and those targeting innocent civilians, calling them enemies of humanity.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accompanied by State Minister Talal Chaudhry and Islamabad Police Chief, visited the imambargah and offered prayers.
The prayers were led by the same imam who led the service at the time of the suicide attack and were attended by a large number of local residents.
Speaking after prayers, Naqvi said: “This attack did not target any particular community; it was an attack on the unity of Pakistan and on humanity. »
“The aim of the terrorists is to sow fear and division. Pakistan’s response will be unity and full implementation of state orders. Those responsible will soon be brought to justice.”
President, Prime Minister
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast, expressing deep sadness over the loss of precious lives.
In their separate messages, the President and the Prime Minister extended their sincere condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that the ranks of martyrs in the incident would rise.
President Zardari said that targeting innocent people was a crime against humanity and reiterated that the entire nation stood with the affected families in this hour of mourning.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, ordered that the incident be thoroughly investigated and those responsible be identified and brought to justice immediately.
He also instructed the health minister to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured and asked him to personally monitor the relief efforts.
He stressed that no one would be allowed to create chaos and unrest in the country.
