At least 31 people have been killed and 169 injured following a suspected suicide blast outside a Shia religious centre in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Friday.
The explosion, believed to be a suicide attack, took place at Khadijatul Kubra mosque-cum-imambargah in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, according to the police statement.
The attacker allegedly stopped at the gate and detonated himself, AFP reported, citing a security official. The powerful blast ripped through the religious centre of the minority Shia community during the Friday prayers in the Pakistani capital.
Also Read: Islamabad blast: At least 31 dead, 169 injured in attack targeting Shia prayer in Pakistan capital
Meanwhile, police and rescue officials have reached the site and carrying out rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the PIMS and Polyclinic for treatment, the report said.
The intensity of the blast could be gauged from the fact that it was heard from a far distance.
Taqi Jawad, Islamabad Police Spokesperson, said the nature of the blast was not clear, adding that the authorities are trying to determine whether it was a suicide attack or a planted bomb.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast, saying those behind it would be found and brought to justice. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and asked authorities to ensure best medical care to the injured.
The latest incident comes around three months after a suicide blast outside a district court in Islamabad in November last year. 12 people were killed in the blast.
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The explosion, believed to be a suicide attack, took place at Khadijatul Kubra mosque-cum-imambargah in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, according to the police statement.
The attacker allegedly stopped at the gate and detonated himself, AFP reported, citing a security official. The powerful blast ripped through the religious centre of the minority Shia community during the Friday prayers in the Pakistani capital.
Also Read: Islamabad blast: At least 31 dead, 169 injured in attack targeting Shia prayer in Pakistan capital
Meanwhile, police and rescue officials have reached the site and carrying out rescue operations. The injured have been sent to the PIMS and Polyclinic for treatment, the report said.
The intensity of the blast could be gauged from the fact that it was heard from a far distance.
Taqi Jawad, Islamabad Police Spokesperson, said the nature of the blast was not clear, adding that the authorities are trying to determine whether it was a suicide attack or a planted bomb.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast, saying those behind it would be found and brought to justice. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and asked authorities to ensure best medical care to the injured.
The latest incident comes around three months after a suicide blast outside a district court in Islamabad in November last year. 12 people were killed in the blast.
Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered.Read More