A suicide blast during Friday prayers in the federal capital, Islamabad, martyred 33 people and left more than 160 injured.
According to the district administration spokesperson, a total of 31 people were martyred in the explosion, while the number of injured brought to hospitals rose to 169. The funeral prayers continued to be offered.
Police sources said the attacker was stopped at the gate and detonated himself. Police and security agencies remain engaged in operations. The police stated that the foreign suicide bomber belonged to Fitna al-Khawarij.
According to the health ministry spokesperson, emergency services were activated in federal hospitals on the orders of Health Minister Mustafa Kamal after the blast. The imam bargah blast response is underway, and the availability of medicines, medical equipment and other essential facilities in hospitals is being ensured. Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff leave has been cancelled.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said injured people were being provided timely and quality medical care. Emergency services at all federal hospitals, including PIMS and Polyclinic, are fully operational.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast. He ordered the health minister to personally oversee the response and directed that the injured be provided the best medical care. He said those responsible for the attack should be identified and brought to justice.
Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said: "A suicide blast at the Islamabad Imambargah is condemnable and deeply regrettable."
Aleem Khan said: "Those who target innocent civilians are enemies of humanity. The entire nation stands united against the ‘Fitna-e-Khawarij’ and alongside the security forces." He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
