Imambargah blast: PM announces Rs10m for Aoun Abbas’s family, Rs5m for other victims

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced a financial package of Rs10 million for the family of Aoun Abbas, a civilian who was martyred while confronting a suicide bomber at an Imambargah in Tarlai Islamabad.

The PM visited the Imambargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra in Tarlai, met with the families of the deceased and injured and expressed deep condolences.

In his remarks, Sharif said the blast was part of a plot to divide the nation and create sectarian tensions among Muslims, but the public’s unity had foiled the conspiracy.

“Terrorists have no religion,” he said. He described Aoun Abbas’s actions as a supreme sacrifice and announced that the young man would be posthumously awarded a top civil award on August 14, while his children would be offered government jobs.

The PM also announced compensation of Rs5 million for each of the other victims, Rs3 million for the seriously injured and Rs1 million for minor injuries.

 He also prayed for the eradication of terrorism from the country and assured citizens that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not be in vain.

The blast, which occurred during Friday prayers, killed at least 36 people and injured more than 160 others, according to hospital officials.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as worshippers tried to flee the mosque.

PM Sharif praised the efforts of Pakistan’s armed forces, police, and security agencies, saying their sacrifices were critical to the country’s protection. He vowed that policies and actions harmful to public safety would not be tolerated.

Sharif called on citizens to remain united against divisive plots and praised the courage of Aoun Abbas, who he said would be remembered in the nation’s history for his bravery.

Medical officials said many of the injured still remain hospitalized, some in critical condition, and the government promised support for their treatment.

Authorities have intensified security in Islamabad and other major cities following the attack.