ISLAMABAD: Authorities have detained four individuals allegedly linked to the suicide bomber involved in the deadly blast at an Imambargah in Islamabad, government sources confirmed on Friday.
According to officials, the detained suspects are said to have close connections with the attacker. They have been shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation as part of an ongoing counter terrorism operation.
Special investigation teams comprising counter terrorism officers have been formed to trace facilitators and anyone who may have assisted in planning or executing the attack. Security agencies are working on intelligence related to the attacker’s current and previous hideouts.
Raids are being conducted at properties linked to the suspect, including the residence listed on his national identity card. Officials confirmed that several arrests were made during these operations.
The suicide blast occurred during Friday prayers at the Imambargah, killing at least 32 worshippers and injuring many others. Police sources said the attacker detonated explosives at the entrance gate after being stopped by security personnel.
Authorities claim the attacker was affiliated with the banned militant outfit Fitna al-Khawarij. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, where an emergency was declared.
A police spokesperson said the cousin of the Islamabad Inspector General was among those martyred in the attack. Hospital officials confirmed that the number of injured brought in after the blast has reached 169, with several in critical condition.
Security across the capital has been tightened as investigations continue.