At least 31 individuals have lost their lives in a tragic incident at a mosque due to an explosion. The authorities have confirmed that over 100 people sustained injuries in the event that took place in Islamabad, Pakistan. The Islamabad police have initiated an investigation into the matter and have stated that the incident at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque was an intentional attack.
Distressing images shared online depict officers and local residents transporting the victims to medical facilities. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene following the explosion during Friday prayers, with a total of 169 individuals being transferred to hospitals. Mohamed Amir, a rescue official, mentioned that some of the injured are in critical condition, while the cause of the blast remains unknown.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned the attack, urging authorities to ensure the provision of top-notch medical care to the injured individuals admitted to various hospitals in the city. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have also denounced the attack through separate statements, extending their condolences to the families of the deceased and calling for all possible medical aid to be provided to those wounded.
Zardari stressed that targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity, emphasizing that the nation stands in solidarity with the affected families during this challenging period. Sharif has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, stating that those responsible must be identified and held accountable for their actions.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion yet, suspicions are likely to point towards militant organizations such as the Pakistani Taliban or the Islamic State group, known for previous attacks targeting Shiite worshippers in the country. These militants often carry out assaults on security forces and civilians across Pakistan.
Notably, in November, a suicide bomber targeted a court in Islamabad, resulting in the death of 12 individuals. This recent attack follows a series of assaults by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army in Balochistan province, claiming the lives of around 50 people. Security forces responded to these attacks by neutralizing over 200 “terrorists,” as reported by the military.
