In brief
A devastating explosion at a mosque in Islamabad during Friday prayers has led to a tragic death toll of at least 31, with over 169 reported injured. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moments leading up to the blast as gunfire was heard prior to the explosion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a thorough investigation while the incident has drawn international condemnation, highlighting increasing violence in Pakistan.
At least 31 people have been killed and 169 injured in an explosion at a mosque during Friday prayers in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, officials say.
According to police, a suicide bomber detonated a device after approaching the gates of the Shia mosque in the Tarlai area of the city. Eyewitnesses have told the BBC the blast was preceded by the sound of gunfire.
An emergency was declared as hospitals began to receive the wounded, with an appeal sent out for blood donations.
Condemning the incident, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief as he called for a thorough investigation and the immediate identification of those behind the attack.
In separate statements, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari stated, targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif suggested India and Afghanistan were behind the attack.
Asif said in a social media post that it had been proven the attacker had traveled to and from Afghanistan, and collusion between India and Afghanistan is being revealed.
Afghanistan's Taliban government described Khawaja Asif's comments as regrettable, stating he hastily attempted to attribute the incident to Afghanistan without presenting any credible evidence.
Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi condemned the attack and extended condolences, calling such attacks a contradiction to Islamic and humanitarian values.
The Indian foreign ministry also condemned the attack and sent condolences for the loss of life, calling the accusations it may be involved baseless.
Talal Chaudhry, Pakistan's minister of state for interior, stated the suspect was not an Afghan citizen, according to local media.
According to Pakistan's defense minister, the attacker opened fire and detonated the bomb after being challenged by security guards.
The blast comes amidst a concerning rise in violence across the nation, with a recent report highlighting that last year was the deadliest in over a decade for Pakistan, with combat-related deaths surging significantly.
