Islamabad (News Agencies/Reporter) A devastating suicide bombing at Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers left at least 15 worshippers martyred and more than 80 injured, police and district officials confirmed on Friday.
Authorities said the suicide bomber detonated explosives after being stopped at the entrance to the mosque while worshippers were offering prayers. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said that over 80 injured victims were brought to city hospitals and that emergencies were declared at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital, and CDA Hospital to handle the influx.
PIMS officials reported that 11 bodies and 60 injured persons were received, noting the hospital had reached capacity. Due to overwhelming demand, many injured are being shifted to facilities in other parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Security forces, including police, Pakistan Army troops, and Rangers, cordoned off the blast site and launched ongoing search and clearance operations.
Condemnations and Reactions
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and offered condolences to the families of the martyrs, praying for patience and strength for the bereaved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, expressing sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and extending sympathies to victims’ families.
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry denounced the blast as a cowardly act and said the loss of precious lives at a place of worship was deeply painful.
Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail termed the incident “absolutely horrendous,” questioning how anyone could target worshippers during Friday prayers.
Adding to the chorus of condemnation, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, expressed deep shock and sorrow over the violent attack on innocent civilians at a sacred place of worship.
He strongly condemned the terrorism that struck during Friday prayers and underscored the need for unity against extremism and hatred. The senator emphasized that attacks on houses of worship are assaults on the nation’s core values and called for decisive action to prevent such atrocities in the future.