ISLAMABAD: At least 31 people were martyred and dozens others injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside an imambargah during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, officials confirmed.
The explosion took place at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra, triggering panic and chaos among worshippers gathered for prayers.
Eyewitnesses told that the attacker was stopped by guards at the entrance, after which the terrorists first opened fire before the bomber detonated himself. They said an exchange of gunfire occurred near the main gate, located about 30 metres away from the imambargah entrance.
“He then ran inside at least 20 metres, and as the prayer was underway, he blew himself up,” eyewitnesses added.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted bodies and injured to hospitals. Law enforcement agencies, including Pakistan Army troops and Rangers, cordoned off the area and launched an investigation.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said an emergency was imposed at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital and the CDA hospital.
PIMS administration reported that at least 18 bodies were brought in, while more than 78 injured were received. Authorities at Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital said four injured were shifted there, with one later succumbing to injuries.
No group immediately claimed responsibility. However, police sources said the attack was carried out by terrorists linked to “Fitna al-Khawarij.”
Meanwhile, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal imposed an emergency across all federally administered hospitals in the capital, cancelling leaves of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.
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“The government is utilising all available resources for the treatment of the injured,” he said, calling the bombing “highly deplorable” and warning that negligence in treatment would not be tolerated.
Condemnations and condolences poured in from across the country. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and offered condolences to the families of the victims, calling the attack a crime against humanity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the bombing, directing Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to ensure a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice immediately. He instructed authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar termed the attack a heinous crime against humanity and a violation of Islamic principles. Opposition leaders, including Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, raised serious questions over security failures in the federal capital.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri extended condolences, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, while several federal ministers and political figures also strongly condemned the tragic incident.