Funeral prayers offered for the martyrs of the suicide attack on Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
Funeral prayers for the martyrs of Tarlai Imambagah terror attack were offered at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra and Jamia-e-Sadiq in Islamabad on Saturday amid tight security.
Sheikh Muhammad Shifa Najafi, cleric of Imambargah Jamia-e-Sadiq, led the funeral prayers. A large number of people attended, including Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi. The Imamia Scouts presented a ceremonial salute to the martyrs, while the police maintained a strong deployment and applied strict security measures. All participants were thoroughly searched before entering.
Opposition leader Allama Raja Nasir, IG Rizvi, former advisor to Prime Minister Nadeem Afzal Chan and several political and social figures were present. The families of the martyrs also participated in the prayers.
Speaking before the funeral, Allama Raja Nasir said: “We are peaceful people. This is not an issue between Sunnis and Shiites,” adding: “We will never forget this attack on Imambargha.” He also said: “We pray for the recovery of the injured.”
Read: Explosion reported at imambargah in Islamabad
At least 32 people were killed and around 169 injured when a suicide bomber attacked Imambangah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers, according to authorities and hospital officials. The explosion occurred in Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra, on the outskirts of the capital, and explosions and gunshots were reported as worshipers gathered for jumma prayers.
The attack was the deadliest in Islamabad in more than a decade and the deadliest nationwide since the Peshawar mosque bombing in January 2023.
Authorities identified the attacker as Yasir Khan, a Peshawar resident, who is believed to have traveled to Afghanistan several times and received militant training. Investigations are ongoing.
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Federal and local officials, including police and rescue teams, responded to the scene after the explosion. Hospitals in Islamabad were put on emergency alert to treat the injured.
Political and civilian leaders condemned the attack as a “crime against humanity” and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
