At least 31 killed, 169 injured as blast hits Islamabad imambargah
Blast in Imam Bargah in Tarlai, Islamabad PHOTO; EXPRESS
A total of 31 people have lost their lives while 169 have been injured in a blast at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area on Friday, according to the district administration.
A statement from the spokesperson of Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed the toll, adding that the number of injured brought to hospitals after the explosion had risen to 169.
The blast triggered panic in the locality, with authorities declaring an emergency across the federal capital and placing security agencies on high alert.
The blast was heard over a considerable distance, causing fear and confusion among residents. Police, Rescue 1122, fire brigade and other emergency teams reached the site shortly after the incident and launched relief operations.
*وفاقی دارالحکومت دھماکہ/ضلعی انتظامیہ بیان*
اسلام آباد میں ہوئے دھماکے کے نتیجے میں 80 سے زائد افراد زخمی ہوئے، اب تک مختلف ہسپتالوں میں 15 افراد کو مردہ حالت میں لایا گیا ہے، پمز، پولی کلینک اور سی ڈی اے ہسپتال میں ایمرجنسی نافذ ہے، اسسٹنٹ کمشنرز کو مختلف ہسپتالوں میں زخمیوں…In response to the crisis, an emergency has been imposed at the Pakistan Institue of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic and the Capital Development Authority's hospitals, where assistant commissioners have been deployed to monitor the medical care and treatment of the victims.
The blast site has been completely sealed to allow the Bomb Disposal Squad and forensic teams to collect evidence, while Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi has placed the federal capital on high alert. Security forces, including police and rescue teams, have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, with additional personnel stationed at sensitive locations and city entry points.
Authorities are investigating the cause and nature of the explosion and have issued a public appeal to avoid spreading rumors and to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the situation remains under close monitoring.
Preliminary reports suggest a possible suicide bombing, though officials have yet to confirm the motive.
A spokesperson for PIMS said the emergency was declared on the instructions of the hospital’s executive director.
On the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited PIMS Hospital. Chaudhry met with patients receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the blast. He directed that special medical facilities be provided for the blast victims and stated that the government is committed to ensuring all possible medical support for the injured.
The Islamabad blast comes in the wake of a spate of recent attacks across Pakistan, including multiple deadly incidents in Balochistan targeting security forces and civilians. The Inter-Services Public Relations said a day ago that security forces had successfully concluded "Operation Raddul-Fitna-1" in Balochistan, killing 216 terrorists in a series of coordinated, intelligence-based operations (IBOs) targeting what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements,
In November, an attack on the District Judicial Complex in G-11 area of Islamabad killed at least 12 people and injured more than 36 others. In that attack, a suicide attacker attempted to enter court premises but detonated explosives near a police vehicle after being intercepted, causing widespread panic and damage to vehicles nearby.
Condemnations pour in
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas issued strong condemnations regarding the attack.
PM Shehbaz, after a briefing with the interior minister, ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, asserting that the government would not permit "mischief and unrest" to take root in the country.
He further directed Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to personally oversee the medical care for the injured, ensuring they receive the best possible facilities.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا ترلائی، اسلام آباد میں امام بارگاہ میں دھماکے کی شدید الفاظ میں مذمت
وزیرِ اعظم کا دھماکے میں شہادتوں پر گہرے دکھ اور رنج کا اظہار، اہل خانہ کے ساتھ اظہار ہمدردی
وزیرِ اعظم کا شہداء کی بلندی درجات اور انکے اہل خانہ کیلئے صبر کی دعا.
وزیراعظم محمد… pic.twitter.com/3DOG21HO8EAbbas expressed grief over the "martyrdom of innocent worshippers", characterising the incident as a direct assault on humanity and a serious failure of the administration to protect its citizens.
He raised sharp questions regarding the performance of law enforcement agencies in the federal capital and made an urgent humanitarian appeal to the youth of Islamabad to visit hospitals for blood donations to save those in critical condition.
اسلام آباد کے علاقے ترلائی میں مسجد خدیجہ الکبریٰ میں ہونے والے افسوسناک دھماکے اور بے گناہ نمازیوں کی شہادت پر میں دلی طور پر نہایت غمزدہ اور رنجیدہ ہوں۔ وفاقی دارالحکومت میں اس نوعیت کی دہشت گردانہ کارروائی نہ صرف انسانی جانوں کے تحفظ میں سنگین ناکامی کا ثبوت ہے بلکہ یہ…