A tragic bombing targeting a Shia mosque occurred on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital during Friday prayers. The incident resulted in 31 fatalities and over 160 injuries, according to police reports. This attack raises significant concerns about the rising tide of violence in the region.
Mosque Bombing Details
The devastating blast struck during a busy prayer session. Initial reports from Islamabad police indicated the explosion was a deliberate attack. Rescuers quickly transported the severely injured to nearby hospitals, with some victims reported in critical condition.
Response from Authorities
There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The Pakistani Taliban and the Islamic State have previously claimed attacks in the country. Though violence in Islamabad is rare, recent months have seen an uptick in militant activities attributed to various groups, including Baloch separatists.
- Death toll: 31
- Injured: Over 160
- Location: Outskirts of Islamabad
- Time: During Friday prayers
Statements from Leaders
In the wake of the explosion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their condolences. Both leaders condemned the violence as an attack on humanity and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. Sharif called for accountability, insisting that those responsible should face justice.
Emergency Measures
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the bombing, urging immediate support for the injured. This attack coincided with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit, although the event he attended was several kilometers away from the blast site.
Historical Context of Violence
This bombing marks one of the deadliest attacks in Islamabad since a suicide bombing at the Marriott Hotel in 2008, which claimed 63 lives. In November, another suicide attack outside a courthouse resulted in 12 fatalities. The recent increase in violence underscores the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces regarding security.
The latest assault follows a series of attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army, which recently resulted in 50 deaths in Balochistan. In response, security forces claimed to have killed over 200 “terrorists” during operations in the region.
