ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday confirmed that the deadly blast at an Imambargah in Islamabad was a suicide attack and claimed it was an act of terrorism carried out by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Speaking to the media, Talal Chaudhry said law enforcement agencies have obtained key information about the suicide bomber, including details of his travel history to Afghanistan. He added that although the attacker was not an Afghan national, records show he had traveled to Afghanistan multiple times.
The minister stated that the incident was reported to the Islamabad administration at 1:42 pm, and according to initial findings, 31 people were martyred while more than 100 sustained injuries in the attack.
Emergency measures have been imposed at hospitals across Islamabad. Talal Chaudhry said he personally remained present at PIMS Hospital on the instructions of the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister to oversee medical arrangements.
He further claimed that the attackers were sponsored by hostile elements and accused them of deliberately targeting soft civilian locations. “These terrorists have crossed the last limits of cowardice,” he said.
The minister also revealed that among the martyrs was a cousin of the Inspector General of Islamabad Police.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Talal Chaudhry said the National Action Plan is being implemented without any leniency. He added that the Interior Minister has visited the Imambargah and reviewed all security and investigation details.
Authorities expect significant progress in the investigation within the next 72 hours.
