RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle blew himself up outside an Imambargah in Rawalpindi on Friday night that left at least seven persons dead and over two dozens injured.
The blast occurred when a Mehfil-e- Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAWW) was taking place in Imambargah Aun Muhammad Rizvi located in Chittian Huttian area of Rawalpindi.
The police initial report told that the suicide bomber tried to enter the Imambargah after parking his motorcycle but was stopped at the entrance. Subsequently, he blew himself up. The report mentioned that the explosive material was also planted in the motorcycle.
The sources said that nearby buildings were also damaged due to the blast.
The rescue and police team rushed to the blast site.
The dead bodies and injured persons were shifted to the District Hospital Headquarters (DHQ) and the Benazir Bhutto Hospital while an emergency was declared in the DHQ.
Meanwhile, the security was beefed up in twin cities following the Rawalpindi Imambargah blast.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar and the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast.
The prime minister expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives. He also directed hospital officials to provide best medical treatment to the injured people.
The Punjab chief minister sought an immediate report in this regard.
The Majis Wahdatul Maslimeen (MWM) leader Allama Nasir Abbas also strongly condemned the blast outside the Imambargah and stressed the need to carry out military operations against the terrorists throughout the country.
The MWM leader urged the military leadership to expand the scope of ongoing military offensives in the tribal areas.
On the other hand, the Shia Ulema Council (SUC) announced a three-day mourning over the blast.
strongly condemned #Rawalpindi blast.
— Sheikh Rashid Ahmad (@ShkhRasheed) January 9, 2015
Maulana Fazalur Rahman: Condemn Pindi incident. We need 2 eradicate terrorism in all its manifestation. let us reaffirm national resolve.
— Jan Achakzai (@Jan_Achakzai) January 9, 2015
