ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have launched widespread operations across the country following the suicide attack at a mosque and Imambargah in Islamabad.
Authorities have arrested four facilitators of the suicide bomber. The Afghan ISIS mastermind behind the attack has also been captured.
Law enforcement arrested key family members and associates of the attacker, Yasir, son of Bahadur Khan. His brother-in-law was taken into custody in Karachi, while his brother was detained in Peshawar. Reports indicate the attacker had communicated with his brother-in-law.
An important facilitator was killed in Nowshera, and the attacker’s mother was arrested from her home in a posh Islamabad sector and taken in for questioning.
Authorities said the operations aim to neutralise further terror threats and capture other accomplices. Investigations are ongoing.
During the operations, one security officer was also martyred and three others were injured, officials said.
The attack occurred on Friday during prayers at Khadija-tul-Kubra Mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad. Officials said 31 worshippers were killed and over 160 others injured.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, expressing grief over the loss of lives. He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
During a meeting with Interior Minister Moeen Naqvi, the prime minister ordered a full investigation and the prompt identification of perpetrators. He directed that those responsible be brought to justice and instructed authorities to provide the injured with top medical care, personally overseeing treatment efforts through the Health Ministry.
Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to target places of worship, terrorize civilians, and shed innocent blood. The Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its full solidarity with Pakistan in combating terrorism, extremism, and violence.
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Riyadh expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Pakistan, and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
