Pakistan: Over 30 killed and 160 injured in Islamabad bomb blast

Islamabad: An explosion at a Shia shrine in Islamabad killed at least over 30 people and left over160 injured on Friday.

According to Pakistsni media, a suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate of the Shia place of worship in Tarlai area during afternoon hours .

Pakistan’s express Tribune newspaper said “Preliminary reports suggest a possible suicide bombing, though officials have yet to confirm the motive… The Islamabad blast comes amid a spate of recent attacks across Pakistan, including multiple deadly incidents in Balochistan targeting security forces and civilians. On November 11 there was another attack outside Islamabad Court, which killed at least 12 people and injured more than 36 others”.

IANS adds: Another leading daily highlighted that the attack comes during the two-day official visit of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

“Islamabad Capital Territory Police Spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too soon to ascertain the nature of the blast and forensics teams would need to determine whether it was a suicide or a planted bomb,” reported Dawn.

Country’s leading news network, Geo News quoted local officials as saying that the suicide bomber detonated himself after being stopped at the entrance of the mosque.

Pakistan has witnessed deadly attacks over the past one week as the Baloch fighters launched Operation Herof-2 against the Pakistani security forces.

Earlier this week, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said that it has expanded its control in Balochistan’s Nushki district by capturing a Pakistani Army camp in Ahmad Wal area following its earlier takeover of a local base in the Galangur area of the province.

The developments followed BLA’s announcement of coordinated attacks under Operation Herof, targetting multiple locations simultaneously. According to the group, attacks were carried out in Quetta, Nushki, and at least 12 additional cities in Balochistan.

Since the launch of the second phase of Operation Herof on January 31, the BLA has reportedly killed and injured several Pakistani army personnel.

The Balochistan Post, meanwhile, reported that locals have alleged that Pakistani forces are deliberately targetting populated civilian areas, raising serious concerns about potential civilian casualties.

IANS