A suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai space throughout Friday prayers killed a minimum of 31 worshippers and injured greater than 169 others, officers mentioned. Police mentioned the attacker was affiliated with the terrorist group Fitna al-Khwarij. A forensic group collected physique elements and different proof from the location to assist the investigation.
A spokesperson for the district administration confirmed the loss of life toll and mentioned dozens of the wounded have been shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for therapy. A number of victims stay in vital situation.
Police sources mentioned the attacker tried to enter the mosque throughout prayers however was stopped by worshippers and safety personnel on the entrance gate. He then detonated the explosive machine, inflicting a robust blast contained in the premises.
Eyewitnesses mentioned gunfire was heard shortly after the primary unit of prayer, adopted by a loud explosion when worshippers have been in prostration.
Following the blast, police, rescue groups, regulation enforcement businesses and bomb disposal squads rushed to the scene. The world was sealed off, close by roads have been closed, and safety was tightened throughout the federal capital on the directions of the Islamabad inspector basic.
Preliminary rescue efforts have been carried out by residents, who shifted the injured to hospitals earlier than ambulances arrived.
Inside Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed Minister of State Talal Chaudhry to go to PIMS, the place he met the injured and instructed hospital authorities to make sure particular medical services for the victims. Sources mentioned relations of senior police officers have been additionally amongst these affected.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the assault, expressed grief over the lack of lives, and supplied condolences to the bereaved households. He prayed for the departed and the speedy restoration of the injured.
The prime minister held a gathering with Inside Minister Naqvi to evaluate the safety state of affairs and ordered a full and clear investigation to determine and arrest these accountable.
President Asif Ali Zardari additionally condemned the bombing, calling the concentrating on of harmless worshippers a criminal offense in opposition to humanity. He directed authorities to offer all potential medical help to the injured.
Overseas diplomats additionally denounced the assault. British Excessive Commissioner Jane Marriott mentioned she was “heartbroken” by the “horrific terrorist assault” throughout Friday prayers and expressed solidarity with Pakistan. Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam likewise condemned the bombing and prolonged condolences to the victims’ households.
Authorities mentioned the assault had no reference to Islam and vowed to deliver the perpetrators and their facilitators to justice.
