ISLAMABAD: A devastating suicide bombing targeted a Shiite mosque inIslamabad’s Tarlai Kalan area during Friday prayers, claiming 31 lives andinjuring 169 worshippers, marking one of the deadliest attacks in thecapital in over 15 years. The blast at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosqueoccurred when a suicide bomber, challenged by security guards, opened firebefore detonating explosives among the congregation. Islamic Stateaffiliate promptly claimed responsibility, highlighting ongoing sectarianthreats in Pakistan amid a surge in militant violence. Pakistan’s DefenceMinister Khawaja Asif swiftly attributed cross-border links to Afghanistan,alleging the attacker had travelled to and from there, escalatingdiplomatic tensions.
The attack unfolded in a heavily guarded capital zone, yet exposedvulnerabilities in urban security arrangements. Witnesses described chaosas worshippers fled the scene, with rescue teams rushing injuredindividuals to nearby hospitals under emergency protocols. This incidentfollows a recent court bombing in Islamabad that killed 12, underscoring atroubling pattern of militant groups extending operations beyond borderregions into major cities. Authorities confirmed the suicide nature throughinitial investigations, including forensic analysis of the site and victimaccounts.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, addressing the nation via socialmedia and press statements, described the perpetrators as enemies ofreligion and the state. He emphasized evidence suggesting the bomber’smovements involved Afghanistan, implying facilitation by elements there andeven alleging proxy involvement from India. Such accusations align withlongstanding Pakistani claims that Afghan territory harbours militantstargeting Pakistan, particularly Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan affiliates,despite denials from Kabul. Asif vowed a response with full force todismantle alleged terrorist camps.
In a sharp rebuttal, Afghanistan’s Taliban-run Ministry of Defencecategorically rejected these assertions as irresponsible, premature, andlacking credible evidence. The ministry’s statement condemned the mosqueattack outright, extending sympathies to victims, while urging Pakistaniofficials to introspect on domestic security shortcomings rather thandeflect blame externally. It argued that repeated unsubstantiatedaccusations against Afghanistan serve only to obscure Pakistan’s internalfailures in preventing such incidents, calling for a policy review toenhance protective measures for vulnerable sites like mosques.
The Islamic State group’s Pakistan-based affiliate claimed the bombing,consistent with its history of targeting Shiite communities perceived asheretical. This claim shifted focus from cross-border narratives, as thegroup operates independently yet exploits regional instability. Previousattacks on Shiite gatherings in Pakistan have often been linked tosectarian outfits, fueling cycles of retaliation and communal tension in acountry where minorities face recurrent threats. The attack’s timing duringcrowded Friday prayers maximized casualties, reflecting calculatedbrutality.
International condemnation poured in swiftly, with the United NationsSecretary-General, the United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia,France, Turkey, Iran, and others denouncing the violence. Such unifiedresponse highlights global concern over rising extremism in South Asia.Pakistan’s leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and PrimeMinister Shehbaz Sharif, labelled the act a crime against humanity,pledging thorough investigations and support for affected families.Mourners gathered under heightened security the following day for funerals,expressing grief and demands for justice.
Diplomatic fallout has intensified Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, alreadystrained over border fencing, militant sanctuaries, and deportation issues.Pakistan frequently presses the Taliban government to act against TTPfighters, while Kabul counters that internal Pakistani dynamics fuelunrest. The defence ministry’s urging for Pakistan to reassess policiesreflects broader frustration with blame-shifting amid shared securitychallenges. Analysts note that without concrete evidence-sharing, suchexchanges risk further alienating neighbours essential for regionalstability.
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The incident revives debates on sectarian security in Pakistan, whereShiite sites require enhanced protection. Government officials reportedtracing facilitators, with some victims in critical condition receivingadvanced care. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar affirmed commitment todismantling networks behind the attack. As investigations continue, theepisode underscores the persistent militant threat despite militaryoperations, necessitating comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies beyondborder accusations.
This tragedy, the worst in Islamabad since the 2008 Marriott bombing,serves as a grim reminder of vulnerabilities in urban centres. It promptsreflection on balancing internal reforms with external diplomacy to curbterrorism effectively.
Source: https://amu.tv/225109
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