Witnesses describe suicide blast rocking Islamabad imambargah

A worshipper at the Shiite mosque (imambargah) in Islamabad where dozens of people were killed in a suicide blast on Friday described an “extremely powerful” explosion ripping through the building just after prayers started.

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City officials said 31 people died in the blast at the Imambargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque in the Tarlai area on the city’s outskirts, with scores more being treated for injuries. The death toll was expected to rise further.

Politicians, diplomat and foreign nations unanimously condemned a horrifying attack on the imambargah during Friday prayers.

The attack also drew condemnation from politicians, the international community, including the United States and European Union. Condolences and condemnation also poured in from various embassies in Islamabad.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif extended condolences to the families of the victims in separate statements and asked that all possible medical assistance be provided for those wounded.

“Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity,” Zardari said. “The nation stands with the affected families in this difficult time.”

“Those who are responsible must be identified and punished,” Shahbaz said. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack.