ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (ABC): The death toll from the suicide attack on an imambargah in Islamabad climbed to 36 on Saturday, hospital officials confirmed, as more victims succumbed to injuries sustained in the blast that struck during Friday prayers in the Tarlai area.
The attack targeted Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra on the outskirts of the federal capital, where a large number of worshippers had gathered for congregational prayers. More than 160 people were injured, several of them critically, raising fears that the casualty count could increase further.
Rescue teams rushed to the site immediately after the explosion and shifted the injured and bodies to nearby hospitals, mainly the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital.
Hospital update
Doctors at PIMS said the facility received the highest number of casualties.
Hospital sources confirmed that dozens of wounded were brought in overnight, including critically injured patients. Several underwent emergency surgeries, while others were admitted to the intensive care unit.
Officials said many of the injured remain under close observation. Some are still battling life-threatening wounds.
Medical staff described the situation as overwhelming, with emergency wards operating at full capacity.
How the attack unfolded
According to investigators, the attacker detonated himself at the entrance of the imambargah during prayers. Witnesses said the blast was preceded by gunfire, causing panic among worshippers before the powerful explosion ripped through the area.
Security forces quickly cordoned off the site. Pakistan Army troops, Rangers and police launched a joint search and clearance operation.
Forensic teams collected evidence, while bomb disposal experts examined the scene.
Investigators said the suspected bomber’s identity card was recovered from the site. Preliminary findings suggest the attacker had recently travelled to Afghanistan, where he allegedly received training in weapons handling and suicide bombing.
Government response
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said authorities had made significant progress in tracing the facilitators and handlers behind the attack.
“There has been great progress in the investigation. The net around the facilitators has tightened and they will be brought to justice,” he told reporters.
He added that security agencies had identified key leads and further details would be shared after verification.
The minister said terrorists were increasingly targeting soft civilian locations after failing to strike hardened security targets. He stressed that law enforcement agencies remained on high alert across the country.
Tarar also assured the public that the government would strengthen protection at mosques, imambargahs and other religious places.
National unity against terrorism
Religious scholars from different schools of thought visited hospitals and met the injured to express solidarity. They condemned the attack and called for unity against terrorism and sectarian violence.
Allama Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said clerics from across the country stood together against extremist elements.
“The nation stands united. Terrorists cannot divide us,” he said, adding that such attacks aimed to spread fear but had instead strengthened national resolve.
Scholars also demanded tighter action against banned outfits and hate speech that could incite violence.
Funerals held
Funeral prayers for several victims were offered in Islamabad amid large gatherings of mourners. Federal ministers, lawmakers and religious leaders attended the ceremonies.
Families wept as the victims were laid to rest, with many calling for swift justice against those responsible.
Foreign condolences
Pakistan received messages of condolence from friendly countries. Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam expressed sympathies during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also conveyed condolences and reaffirmed solidarity with Pakistan.
Officials reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to eliminating terrorism in all its forms and would pursue those behind the Islamabad imambargah attack.
The Islamabad suicide blast has once again highlighted the threat posed by militant groups targeting civilians, but authorities said the fight against terrorism will continue with full force.