Suicide bomb attack in Islamabad Imambalgah kills 32; More than 160 injured; The president and the prime minister condemn the explosion
An elderly man tries to console his younger companion, devastated by the death of his loved ones in a suicide attack at an Imambalgah in Islamabad. Photo: Reuters
ISLAMABAD:
A devastating suicide attack devastated a crowded Imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area on Friday, leaving at least 32 worshipers martyred and more than 160 injured, as the federal capital was shaken to its foundations by one of the deadliest terror attacks it has seen in recent years, police and administration officials said.
The attacker detonated explosives while worshipers were offering Friday prayers at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra, on the outskirts of the city. The force of the explosion, heard hundreds of meters away, sent shockwaves through nearby neighborhoods, sparking panic and confusion as people fled for safety.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed that 32 people were killed and 169 others were injured, several of them in critical condition. Among the martyrs was a cousin of Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi.
Two police officers, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the attacker was detained at the Imambargah gate before detonating the bomb. State broadcaster PTV News reported that the attacker has been identified.
In a post 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 scattered across the carpeted prayer hall. Some victims were also seen outside on the grass as survivors screamed for help.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Similar attacks in the past have been attributed to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP).
However, some police sources blamed ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’.
In its publication, PTV News also said that terrorist groups present in Afghanistan pose a broader threat to regional security and claimed that there is an Afghanistan-India nexus behind the attacks in Pakistan.
Police, rescue team 1122, firefighters and other emergency services 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 the victims, adding that no negligence would be tolerated as he was personally supervising the response.
He condemned the attack and those targeting innocent civilians as enemies of humanity.
Federal Home 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 had been leading the service at the time of the suicide bombing and were attended by a large number of local residents.
Speaking after prayers, Naqvi said: “This attack was not directed at any particular community; it was an assault on the unity of Pakistan and humanity.”
“The terrorists’ aim is to sow fear and division. Pakistan’s response will be unity and full implementation of the state order. Those responsible will soon be brought to justice.”
president, prime minister
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast and expressed their deep grief and sadness over the loss of precious lives.
In their separate messages, the President and the Prime Minister offered their deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs in the incident.
President Zardari said attacking innocent people was a crime against humanity and reaffirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the affected families in this time of pain.
Chief Minister Shehbaz, while speaking to Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, ordered that the incident be thoroughly investigated and those responsible be identified and brought to justice immediately.
He also directed the Health Minister to ensure immediate medical treatment to the injured and asked him to personally supervise the relief efforts.
He stressed that no one will be allowed to create chaos and unrest in the country.
