Condemnations have poured in after a suicide bomber targeted Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai neighborhood, killing at least 31 people and injuring dozens during Friday prayers.
Authorities fear the death toll will rise as emergency services remain on alert across the capital, with all major hospitals declaring a state of emergency. Authorities mobilized doctors, nurses and paramedics to provide immediate treatment to the injured.
Rescue teams transferred the injured to different hospitals in the capital while security forces cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence.
Eyewitnesses say the attacker opened fire at the entrance before detonating explosives after guards tried to arrest him at the main entrance.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sadness over the blast, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and praying for patience among the bereaved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, expressing deep anguish over the martyrs and extending sympathy to the affected families.
Following this tragic incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible.
Acts of terrorism are unacceptable, says the United States
The United States strongly condemned the terrorist attack that left innocent worshipers dead and injured, saying all acts of terror and violence are unacceptable, the US Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement.
US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker expressed her sincere condolences to the injured and families of those killed in the bombing.
The embassy said violence against civilians and places of worship cannot be justified.
He reiterated that the United States continues to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace and security and remains committed to the bilateral partnership aimed at promoting stability. The embassy added that Washington stood with Islamabad during this difficult time.
“Outraged and heartbroken”
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said she was “outraged and heartbroken” by the horrific attack on the imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers. She extends her thoughts and prayers to those killed and injured and to their families.
The British envoy described the violence as abject and expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan following the tragedy.
Islamabad attack a ‘hideous act,’ Iranian envoy says
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam has strongly condemned the Islamabad terror attack, describing it as a heinous act that resulted in the martyrdom and injury of dozens of innocent civilians.
He conveyed the condemnation on behalf of the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Australia stands with Pakistan (envoy)
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane said he was shocked and saddened by the horrific attack on a mosque in Islamabad.
He expressed his thoughts for the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this tragedy.
The envoy expressed Australia’s solidarity with Pakistan, saying his country stood and mourned with the Pakistani people during these difficult times.
Canada condemns the explosion
Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan has condemned the imambargah blast in Islamabad. He sent his prayers to the first responders and hoped for a speedy recovery for the survivors.
The envoy offered his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy.
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.
