Islamabad: Thirty-one people were martyred and 169 others injured in a blast in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, a statement from the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad on X revealed that an emergency has been imposed in PIMS, Polyclinic, and CDA Hospitals. Assistant Commissioners have been deployed to supervise the treatment of the injured in various hospitals, and the blast site has been completely sealed.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast. In their separate statements, they expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of human lives. The President and the Prime Minister have also directed that the best medical facilities be provided to the injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, directing an immediate and complete investigation into the incident. He emphasized that those responsible for the explosion must be identified and brought to justice, adding that no one will be allowed to spread chaos and unrest in the country.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar condemned the blast at an Imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad. In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives and conveyed heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families affected. The Minister described the targeting of worshippers as a cowardly, inhumane, and reprehensible act, stating that no condemnation is enough for such a heinous crime. He assured that those responsible will be brought to justice and face exemplary punishment, while emphasizing that operations against miscreants will continue under a zero-tolerance policy. He reiterated the state's commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens and ensuring the security of mosques and Imambargahs.