Islamabad imambargah attack: victims laid to rest as probe widens

WEB DESK: Funeral prayers were held on Saturday for several victims of the deadly suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, a day after the attack claimed at least 31 lives and left more than 160 people injured. The prayers were attended by grieving families, community members and political figures, with security sharply tightened across the federal capital.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf participated in the funeral prayers, alongside senior politicians including Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Raja Khurram Nawaz and Senator Nayyar Bukhari. Coffins were carried by mourners as scenes of anguish unfolded, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Islamabad in nearly two decades.

The bombing took place during Friday prayers at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra, located on the outskirts of the capital. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as several of the wounded remain in critical condition.

How the attack unfolded

Security sources said the suicide bomber was intercepted at the entrance of the imambargah and detonated himself after being stopped. Worshippers inside described moments of chaos as an intense explosion tore through the hall just as prayers were beginning.

Muhammad Kazim, a 52-year-old eyewitness, said the blast was “extremely powerful,” shaking the entire structure. Another worshipper, Imran Mahmood, said volunteer guards confronted the attacker, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire before the explosives were triggered.

The attack is being described as the deadliest incident in Islamabad since September 2008, when a suicide truck bombing at the Marriott Hotel killed at least 60 people.

Suspect identified, investigation expands

Sources familiar with the investigation told Dawn that the suicide bomber has been identified through forensic and Nadra records as a resident of Gunj in Peshawar’s walled city. Investigators recovered the attacker’s severed head from the crime scene, which helped establish his identity.

Preliminary findings suggest the bomber had links to the militant Islamic State group and had travelled to Afghanistan multiple times. Law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been contacted to assist with further inquiries.

Police said geo-fencing of the area is under way, while CCTV footage from nearby locations is being analysed to trace possible facilitators. Raids have also been carried out in parts of Nowshera, where some of the suspect’s relatives were reportedly taken into custody for questioning.

A senior KP police official said investigators were making “significant progress,” as authorities vowed to bring all those involved to justice and prevent further attacks.