- Four facilitators, Afghan Daesh handler held; planning and training traced to Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (ABC): Security forces arrested the alleged mastermind and four facilitators of the Islamabad imambargah suicide blast during overnight raids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday.
He said police and intelligence teams launched operations in Peshawar and Nowshera soon after Friday’s attack. The teams detained all suspects by early morning.
The suicide bombing targeted worshippers during prayers in the Tarlai area. At least 33 people lost their lives and dozens suffered injuries.
Raids lead to arrests
Naqvi said the Counter Terrorism Department, KP police and other agencies worked together during the raids. Officers used technical and human intelligence to locate the suspects.
Teams arrested four facilitators in separate operations. They also captured the main handler, whom officials described as an Afghan national linked to the banned Daesh group.
“All those involved in this attack are now in custody,” the minister said.
Exchange of fire in Nowshera
Security teams faced resistance during a raid in Nowshera’s Hakeemabad area. Suspects opened fire on the officers.
An assistant sub-inspector embraced martyrdom during the exchange. Several other officers sustained injuries.
Despite the clash, the teams completed the operation and detained the suspects.
How the attack unfolded
Officials said the attacker reached the imambargah entrance during prayers. He opened fire to create panic and then detonated himself.
The explosion caused heavy casualties. Rescue workers shifted the injured to hospitals across Islamabad.
Authorities fear the death toll may rise because several victims remain critical.
Planning and training abroad
Naqvi said investigators traced the planning and training of the attacker to Afghanistan. He said the suspect travelled there for indoctrination and preparation.
“We have clear evidence about his training and movement,” he said.
He added that several militant groups operated together and shared networks across the border.
Claims of foreign funding
The minister claimed that foreign elements financed these networks. He said militants earlier received about 500 dollars per task.
He said the payments later rose to 1,500 dollars. He alleged that India provided funds and targets to the groups.
Pakistan will raise the issue at international forums, he added.
Public cooperation urged
Naqvi urged citizens to support law enforcement agencies. He asked people to report suspicious individuals living in their areas.
“Community information helps prevent attacks,” he said. “Many plots fail because of timely intelligence.”
He added that security forces foil dozens of attempts before they occur.
Social media monitoring
The minister said terrorists used social media accounts for communication and propaganda. The government asked platforms to block such accounts.
He warned that authorities would consider stronger measures if companies failed to cooperate.
Security tightened in capital
Islamabad police also reviewed the city’s security plan. Officials examined 93 entry points and increased monitoring.
Authorities plan to introduce stricter checks and digital tracking systems in sensitive zones.
Operations continue
The Ministry of Interior said further intelligence-based operations were underway. Officials aim to dismantle the entire network behind the blast.
“We will continue this fight until terrorism ends,” Naqvi said.