At least 31 martyred, dozens injured as suicide bomber targets Islamabad imambargah

Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice immediately, directs PM Shehbaz

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, confirmed officials.

The explosion occurred at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area\

The suicide bomber detonated himself after being stopped at the entrance of the mosque, eyewitnesses told Geo News, adding that the terrorists first opened fired and then resorted to the bombing.

The eyewitnesses further said that the main door is at least 30 metres away from the imambargah’s gate, adding that when the terrorist reached the main gate, guards tried to stop him, following which an exchange of fire took place.

“He then ran inside at least 20 metres, and as the prayer was underway, he blew himself up,” the eyewitnesses t

Following the tragic incident, rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and injured to the hospitals. Law enforcement agencies — including Pakistan Army troops and Rangers — cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said that an emergency has been imposed at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), Polyclinic Hospital and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) hospital.

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) administration said that at least 18 bodies were brought to the hospital, while more than 78 injured were also received.

Authorities at Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital said four injured were brought to the hospital, where one of them later died during treatment.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. However, police sources said the attack was carried out by terrorists linked to the “Fitna al-Khawarij.”

Meanwhile, the government sources said that the suicide bomber behind the attack has been identified.      

“The suicide bomber received terrorist training in Afghanistan,” the sources said, adding that he travelled to the neighbouring country multiple times.

Emergency imposed in Islamabad hospitals

Meanwhile, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal imposed an emergency across all federally administered government hospitals in the capital.

“Emergency services at PIMS and the Polyclinic are fully functional,” he said.

Kamal added that the leaves of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have been cancelled.

“The government is utilising all available resources for the treatment of the injured,” he said.

Condemning the attack, the health minister termed the suicide bombing “highly deplorable” and said those targeting innocent civilians were “enemies of humanity”.

He warned that negligence in the treatment of the injured would not be tolerated.

Condolences pour in

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and sorrow over the blast and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast and prayed for their patience.