Islamabad, Feb 6 (.) Witnessing one of its deadliest terror attacks in years, over 31 people so far have been confirmed killed, with an additional 169 injured following the deadly suicide bombing at an Imambargah (congregation hall for Shia Muslims) in Islamabad on Friday.
As per authorities, one of the dead includes a first cousin of the Islamabad police Inspector General, with the victim identified as Hassan.
The blast struck at the gate of the Imambargah in the Tarlai area as worshippers were entering for prayers, shattering windows in nearby homes, leading to mass panic across the neighbourhood, said the police and district officials.
While 31 are so far confirmed dead, several of the injured remain in critical condition, raising fears that this death toll is only likely to climb higher.
The police said the attacker tried to force his way into the Imambargah but detonated an explosive vest after being stopped at the entrance. Investigators have linked the bomber to the militant outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij by Pakistan authorities.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as roads leading into Tarlai were sealed off, with ambulances ferrying the wounded to multiple hospitals while bomb disposal teams and security forces cordoned the area. An additional contingent of Rangers and army personnel was also deployed.
Hospitals across Islamabad were placed on emergency footing, with staff leave cancelled and additional medical supplies mobilised.
The victims were transported to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital and CDA Hospital.
Four of the injured were initially admitted to Benazir Bhutto Hospital, where a 22-year-old, Zamin Shah, later succumbed to his injuries. District officials said assistant commissioners were stationed at hospitals to oversee treatment.
Security was tightened in neighbouring Rawalpindi, with police raising alert levels, reinforcing protection at mosques, congregation halls, shrines, and setting up checkpoints on major routes.
According to Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, emergency protocols had been activated at all federal hospitals, while State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry visiting PIMS on the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, directed all officials to ensure that the best possible care was provided for all the wounded.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and ordered a full investigation.
“The targeting of innocent worshippers is a crime against humanity,” Zardari said in a statement.
Condolences, and calls for solidarity also poured in from across the globe, with Iranian ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam stating that Tehran stood in solidarity with Pakistan at this tough hour, and was praying for the swift recovery of all the injured.
Similarly, the UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott condemning the attack as “abhorrent,” reaffirmed Britain’s support in the fight against terrorism.
Likewise, the US chargé d’affaires Natalie Baker, decrying the incident said that violence which targeted civilians and places of worship was unacceptable, while the EU and Sweden also expressed solidarity with Islamabad. . . KK