Suicide Bomber Kills 31 at Shia Mosque in Islamabad
On February 6, a horrific incident unfolded in Pakistan’s capital as a suicide bomber targeted a Shia mosque during Friday prayers, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 individuals and leaving 169 others injured. This tragic event marks one of the most devastating terror attacks to have struck the community in recent memory.
The explosion, which reverberated across a considerable distance, occurred at the Khadijatul Kubra mosque-cum-imambargah in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, as confirmed by local authorities.
Reports indicate that the suicide bomber was intercepted at the imambargah’s entrance but proceeded to detonate himself, causing immense devastation and loss of life. Eyewitnesses and police corroborated this harrowing account.
Following the blast, a district administration spokesperson revealed that 31 individuals had tragically lost their lives, with 169 others sustaining injuries of varying degrees.
Although no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, sources within the police department disclosed that the perpetrator was a foreign national with ties to Fitna al Khwaraji, an alias associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to eyewitness testimonies cited by Geo News, the assailant first engaged in gunfire before triggering the explosive device, exacerbating the devastation within the mosque.
Television footage captured a scene of chaos and tragedy, with multiple casualties strewn across the floor amidst shattered glass and debris.
Efforts to rescue survivors were promptly initiated, with police and Rescue 1122 personnel working tirelessly to evacuate and treat the wounded.
Military personnel and Rangers swiftly cordoned off the area, launching security operations to safeguard the vicinity and investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Emergency measures were activated in local hospitals to accommodate the influx of injured individuals requiring urgent medical attention.
This appalling incident unfolded mere months after a previous suicide bombing claimed 12 lives outside a district and sessions court building in Islamabad, underscoring the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.
Remarkably, the attack coincided with the visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan, prompting heightened security concerns and widespread condemnation from political figures.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, unequivocally denounced the act of violence, emphasizing the need to uphold humanitarian values and combat extremism.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the nature of the explosion, with early assessments pointing towards a suicide bombing as the likely cause.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry personally visited the Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS) hospital to meet with the injured survivors, expressing solidarity and support during this challenging time.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry echoed the sentiments of grief and condemnation on social media, emphasizing the resilience of the nation in the face of such cowardly acts and urging unity in the pursuit of peace and stability.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, it is imperative that we stand united against terrorism and uphold the values of peace, tolerance, and solidarity with those affected by this heinous attack.
