At least 31 people were killed and 169 others injured after a powerful explosion struck an imambargah during Friday prayers in Pakistan’s federal capital.
The blast occurred at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in the Tarlai area of Islamabad. Police and Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene and began rescue and evacuation efforts.
The attack took place during the official two-day visit of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too early to determine the exact nature of the explosion, but initial indications suggested a suicide attack. Security forces sealed off the area, while assistant commissioners were assigned to monitor treatment of the injured at hospitals across the capital.
Authorities declared emergencies at the Polyclinic, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and CDA Hospital. A PIMSspokesperson said emergency, orthopaedic, burn and neurology departments were fully activated as the injured were transferred for treatment.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the targeting of civilians a crime against humanity. He ordered that all necessary medical care be provided to those wounded and wished them a swift recovery.
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