Latest Death Toll: Islamabad Suicide Blast Claims 35 Lives, Injures 160
A suicide blast occurred in Islamabad when a bomber detonated himself at the gate of an Imambargah (Shia mosque), Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra, in the Tarlai area of Pakistan’s capital.
The deadly attack claimed the lives of at least 35 people and left over 70 others injured, spreading fear and grief across the city. Authorities immediately cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, while emergency services rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals.
The Shia mosque is located on the outskirts of the main city, near Chak Shahzad. Eye-witness the termed the blast as suicide bomber. It is surrounded by university campuses, especially COMSATS University.
The suicide blast occurred when the people were offering Friday prayers. According to Geo News, the attacker first started firing and exchanged it with security staff. During this, the suicide attacker blew himself on the main gate, after entering.
According to the security guards at the mosque, there were three attackers, one guard is injured while there are reports of killing one security guard as well.
According the police, the blast was so powerful that it was heard far flung areas, whereas, the window panes located nearby broken. Following the blast, police personnel, bomb disposable staff rescue officials immediately reached the spot.
Police termed the attacker belong to the Fitna ul Khuwarij group, who was intercepted at the gate but he blew up himself, causing heavy fatalities.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon has confirmed 31 killings and over 160 injured so far. Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal imposed an emergency across all federally administered government hospitals in the capital.
The minister immediately cancelled the leaves of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, adding that, the government is utilising all available resources for the treatment of the injured. IG Islamabad said the son of his cousin was also among the dead in the blast, who was present to offer prayers in the three-story building.
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and sorrow over the Islamabad suicide blast and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast and prayed for their patience.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the bombing. He expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdoms in the blast and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families.
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, expressed deep grief over the blast and extended condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs, while praying for the early recovery of the injured.
Iran Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri, condemned the terrorist attack and extended “sincere and deepest condolences” to the government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families.
