ISLAMABAD: A devastating suicide bombing targeted worshippers at ImambargahKhadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area on Friday, claiming at least31 lives and injuring around 170 others during crowded Friday prayers. Theattacker, identified as Yasir Khan from Peshawar, detonated explosivesafter being stopped at the entrance, unleashing chaos in the Shia place ofworship. Authorities confirmed the blast’s timing maximized casualtiesamong devotees. Preliminary investigations point to cross-border militanttraining, heightening concerns over security lapses in the federal capital.
The explosion occurred as prayers commenced inside the packed imambargah,with eyewitnesses reporting initial gunfire before the detonation. Securitypersonnel and volunteers attempted to intercept the suspect at the maingate, but he managed to trigger his device nearby. Rescue operationsshifted dozens of injured to nearby hospitals, where medical staff workedunder pressure to treat shrapnel wounds and blast injuries. The incidentmarks one of the deadliest attacks in Islamabad in over a decade, drawingimmediate condemnation from political leaders and international observers.
Investigators identified the bomber as Yasir Khan, a 32-year-old residentof Peshawar, after recovering his identity card from the site. Sourcesrevealed Khan had spent approximately five months in Afghanistan prior tothe attack, returning to Pakistan recently. Forensic analysis and travelrecords indicate multiple crossings into Afghanistan, where he allegedlyunderwent militant preparation. Officials noted his inclination toward theSalafi ideology, raising questions about radicalization pathways.
During his stay in Afghanistan, Khan is believed to have receivedspecialized training at the Mansoor Istashhadi centre in Kunar’snortheastern province. This facility has been associated with extremistinstruction, including suicide operations and weapons handling. Pakistaniintelligence suspects possible affiliations with the banned Islamic StateKhorasan Province (ISKP), though no definitive evidence has emerged yet.The group’s history of targeting Shia communities aligns with the attack’sprofile.
Authorities have launched nationwide operations following the blast,arresting relatives of the bomber in Peshawar, including two brothers and awoman. Counter-Terrorism Department teams raided family residences togather intelligence on potential networks. Interior ministry officialsemphasized the need to dismantle support structures, with probes exploringdomestic facilitators and cross-border handlers. Security has beenintensified around religious sites nationwide.
The attack highlights persistent vulnerabilities in Pakistan’scounter-terrorism framework, despite ongoing military efforts againstmilitant groups. ISKP has claimed responsibility in similar incidents,exploiting porous borders with Afghanistan. Pakistani officials haverepeatedly urged Kabul to curb safe havens for terrorists, citing suchtraining camps as direct threats. The incident revives debates on bordermanagement and intelligence sharing.
Condemnations poured in swiftly, with global powers denouncing the “hideousact” and expressing solidarity. Domestic leaders vowed a relentlesscrackdown, promising justice for victims. Community leaders from the Shiasect expressed grief while calling for enhanced protection during religiousgatherings. Hospitals continue treating the wounded, many in criticalcondition, as the nation mourns the loss.
Broader implications include strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, withaccusations of harboring militants. The blast’s scale underscores theevolving threat from ideologically driven groups using suicide tactics.Security experts warn of potential reprisals or copycat attacks unlessnetworks are uprooted. Investigations remain active to trace the full chainof command and prevent future tragedies.
Source:https://tribune.com.pk/story/2591193/bomber-identified-as-peshawar-resident-trained-in-afghanistan
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