Blast At Shia Mosque In Islamabad Leaves 31 Dead, Nearly 170 Injured
Pakistani authorities say at least 31 people were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad on Friday, warning that the death toll could rise.
Pakistani authorities say at least 31 people were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad on Friday, warning that the death toll could rise.
The explosion occurred during Friday prayers at the Khadija Kubra Mosque in the capital city.
Police and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene immediately after the blast. Authorities declared an emergency at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, the capital’s specialised clinics and several other hospitals to treat the wounded.
Officials said the explosion was carried out by a suicide attacker. No group has yet claimed responsibility.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to investigate the attack and identify those responsible.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the bombing, calling the targeting of innocent civilians “a crime against humanity.”
The US Embassy in Islamabad also condemned the attack, saying the United States would continue supporting Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and security and remained committed to stability in the region. The embassy said the United States stands with Pakistan during this difficult time.
Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, described the explosion as a terrorist attack and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
