In brief
A devastating explosion during Friday prayers at a mosque in Islamabad has led to the death of at least 31 people and left 169 injured. The suicide bomber reportedly detonated the device after approaching the mosque gates amidst sounds of gunfire. Officials have declared a state of emergency, urging for blood donations, while leaders express condolences and calls for a thorough investigation into the attack, which has raised tensions regarding potential involvement from neighboring countries. This incident follows a week of violence in Balochistan, where numerous civilian deaths were reported.
At least 31 people have been killed and 169 injured in an explosion at a mosque during Friday prayers in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, according to officials.
The incident occurred when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device after reaching the gates of the Shia mosque located in Tarlai. Eyewitnesses reported the blast was preceded by gunfire.
Hospitals have declared emergencies as they began receiving victims of the attack, and an appeal has been made for blood donations to treat the injured.
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief and called for a comprehensive investigation to identify those responsible.
In separate statements, President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the act, labeling it a crime against humanity, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif suggested potential involvement from India and Afghanistan.
The accusations sparked a swift reaction from Afghanistan's Taliban government, which called the comments regrettable and demanded credible evidence for such claims. Afghan officials extended condolences and condemned the act, while India's foreign ministry categorized the accusations as baseless.
The pain and chaos inside the mosque were palpable, with reports of injuries and casualties affecting many attending the prayer service that day. One witness described hearing gunfire followed by the heartbreaking sound of the explosion.
Emergency responses saw many victims transported to local hospitals, where personnel worked tirelessly to provide aid exacerbated by the sudden influx of injured individuals.
This attack is raising concerns amidst a backdrop of increasing violence in Pakistan, particularly following recent incidents in Balochistan that left numerous civilians dead in coordinated assaults by militant groups. The situation underscores a growing insecurity that the nation faces as it navigates these troubling times.
