At least 12 innocent worshippers were martyred and several others injured in a suicide blast at a mosque on the outskirts of Rawalpindi, police sources said.
According to police, the suicide bomber was affiliated with Fitna-al-Khawarij. The attacker was stopped at the mosque gate, after which he detonated himself, causing the deadly explosion.
Police and security agencies immediately reached the site and launched a clearance and investigation operation. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, where some are reported to be in critical condition.
Police sources say that attacks on mosques and worshippers have no connection with the religion of Islam.
All hospitals in Islamabad have been placed on high alert.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Talal Chaudhry visits injured
Following the explosion in the outskirts of Rawalpindi, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to visit Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital.
Talal Chaudhry arrived at PIMS Hospital, where he visited the injured victims of the blast and inquired about their condition. He instructed the hospital administration to ensure that the injured patients are provided with special medical facilities and that no negligence occurs in their treatment.
He stated that the government is utilizing all available resources to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
During his interaction with medical staff, Talal Chaudhry received a detailed briefing on the health status of the injured and emphasized the need for prompt and effective treatment.
The Minister of State said that providing all possible medical facilities to the injured victims is the government’s top priority, and negligence at any level will not be tolerated.
