Police are investigating whether the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber.
The explosion has ripped through the Islamabad mosque of Khadija Al-Kubra (Image: Getty)
A huge explosion has ripped through a mosque during Friday morning prayers, killing at least 31 people. The suspected suicide bombing injured a further 169 people at a Shi’ite mosque in Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad, a government official said. Asif Ali Zardari, the country’s president, called the attack a “crime against humanity”.
He said: “The nation stands with the affected families in this difficult time,” he said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a full investigation as officials determine whether it was a suicide mission. He said: “Those who are responsible must be identified and punished.”
The explosion killed at least 31 people. (Image: Getty)
Two anonymous police officials said the suspect was stopped at the gates of the mosque before they set of a bomb.
Police sources also told CNN that internal investigations already suggest that Pakistan’s Taliban, or Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was behind it, though no group has taken responsibility.
Foreign minister Ishaq Dar called it “terrorism” and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
He said: “Targeting places of worship and civilians is a heinous crime against humanity and a blatant violation of Islamic principles.
“Pakistan stands united against terrorism in all its forms. This barbarity will not intimidate us and extremists will be brought to full account.”
The wounded have been sent to nearby hospitals, where medical professionals remain on high alert.
Pakistan’s Institute Of Medical Science has urged those living in the capital city or nearby Rawalpindi to donate blood, which could potentially save lives as hospitals deal with an influx of patients.
Britain’s ambassador to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, condemned the attack as “abhorrent”
She said: “Outraged and heartbroken by the horrific attack at Imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers. My thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured and their families.”
