Funeral Prayers Offered in Islamabad for Victims of Tarlai Imambargah Attack as Death Toll Reaches 32

ISLAMABAD: Funeral prayers for the martyrs of the terrorist attack on Tarlai Imambargah were offered on Saturday at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra and Jamia-e-Sadiq under strict security arrangements.

The prayers were led by Sheikh Muhammad Shifa Najafi of Jamia-e-Sadiq. A large gathering, including Inspector General of Police Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, political leaders, social figures, and relatives of the victims, attended the ceremony. Imamia Scouts presented a ceremonial salute, while police enforced tight security, conducting thorough searches of all participants.

Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir, former prime minister’s adviser Nadeem Afzal Chan, and other prominent figures were present. Addressing the gathering, Allama Raja Nasir emphasized unity, stating that the attack was not a sectarian issue and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peace. He also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured.

At least 32 people lost their lives and around 169 others were injured when a suicide bomber targeted worshippers during Friday prayers at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area. The incident involved a powerful explosion and gunfire, making it the deadliest attack in the capital in over a decade and the worst nationwide since the Peshawar mosque bombing in January 2023.

Authorities have identified the attacker as Yasir Khan from Peshawar, who reportedly had links to militant training and had travelled to Afghanistan multiple times. Investigations are ongoing.

Federal and local officials, along with rescue teams, rushed to the site following the attack, while hospitals in Islamabad were placed on high alert. Political leaders strongly condemned the incident, calling it a crime against humanity. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families.