Condemnation poured in after a suicide bomber attacked Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, leaving at least 31 worshipers dead and dozens injured during Friday prayers.
Officials fear the death toll could rise as emergency services remain on high alert across the capital, while all major hospitals have declared an emergency. The authorities have mobilized doctors, nurses and paramedics to ensure immediate treatment of the injured.
Rescue teams moved the injured to various hospitals in the capital, while security forces cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence.
Witnesses say the attacker opened fire at the entrance before detonating explosives after guards tried to stop him at the main gate.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and sorrow over the blast, condoled the families of those who lost their lives and asked for patience for the bereaved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack and expressed deep anguish over the martyrdom and extended sympathies to the affected families.
Following the tragic incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible.
Acts of Terror Unacceptable: United States
The United States has strongly condemned the terror attack that left innocent worshipers dead and injured and says all acts of terrorism and violence are unacceptable, the US Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement.
US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker expressed sincere condolences to the injured and the families of those killed in the bombing.
The embassy stated that violence against civilian and religious sites cannot be justified.
It reiterated that the United States continues to support Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and security and remains committed to the bilateral partnership aimed at promoting stability. The embassy added that Washington stands with Islamabad at this challenging moment.
‘Upset and heartbroken’
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said she is “outraged and heartbroken” by the horrific attack on the imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers. She sends her thoughts and prayers to those killed and injured and to their families.
The British envoy called such violence abhorrent and expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the wake of the tragedy.
Islamabad attack ‘heinous act’: Iran’s envoy
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam strongly condemned the terror attack in Islamabad, describing it as a heinous act that led to the martyrdom and injury of scores of innocent civilians.
He conveyed the condemnation on behalf of the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Australia stands with Pakistan: envoy
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane said he is shocked and saddened by the horrific attack on a mosque in Islamabad.
He expressed his thoughts to the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by the tragedy.
The envoy conveyed Australia’s solidarity with Pakistan and said his country stands and mourns with the Pakistani people at this difficult time.
Canada condemns the explosion
Canada’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Tarik Ali Khan, condemned the Islamabad imambargah blast. He extended prayers to first responders and hoped for a speedy recovery for the survivors.
The envoy offered his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the tragedy.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details.
