Metro53 - Islamabad (Web Desk): A suicide bombing took place at Imambargah and Masjid Khadija-tul-Kubra located in the Tarlai area of Islamabad. According to police, the suicide blast occurred during Friday prayers.
According to the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, the number of martyred worshippers as a result of the suicide bombing has reached 169, while 169 people were injured.
Police said the suicide attacker was affiliated with Fitna Al-Khawarij. When he was stopped at the gate, he blew himself up.
Eyewitnesses said the suicide attacker opened fire before detonating himself.
After the blast, police, law enforcement agencies, and the bomb disposal squad reached the site and cordoned off the area.
An appeal for blood donations has been issued at Islamabad’s Polyclinic Hospital, where medical staff said blood is urgently needed to save the lives of the injured.
According to hospital authorities, a total of 106 injured have so far been brought to hospitals. PIMS Hospital received 60 injured, while 13 injured were brought to Polyclinic Hospital, out of which two succumbed to their injuries.
Hospital officials said 27 injured were shifted to Federal General Hospital, two to Benazir Hospital, and one injured person was brought to CDA Hospital.
The Prime Minister met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and directed him to investigate the incident and determine those responsible.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the perpetrators of the blast would be identified and given due punishment, adding that no one would be allowed to spread unrest and insecurity in the country.
He also directed that the injured be provided with the best possible medical facilities and instructed the Health Minister to oversee the matter.
