Survivors recount gunfire, then blast at Islamabad imambargah

ISLAMABAD: Survivors of the deadly attack at an Islamabad imambargah described hearing gunfire moments before a powerful explosion tore through the building shortly after Friday prayers began.

A worshipper, Muhammad Kazim, told AFP he reached the Imambargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra shortly after 1:00pm and stood several rows behind the prayer leader. He said gunshots were heard during the early moments of the prayer, followed by an explosion while congregants were still in the prayer posture.

Kazim said the blast was extremely forceful, causing severe damage as debris fell from above and windows shattered. He reported seeing bodies and injured people scattered outside as panic spread. Although he escaped without injury, he accompanied a wounded friend to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment.

Another survivor, Imran Mahmood, described what he said was an exchange of fire involving the attacker, a possible accomplice and volunteer security personnel. He claimed the bomber tried to advance but was hit in the leg, while another individual fired at volunteers before the attacker detonated explosives near the gate area.

By Friday night, officials said the toll had risen to 31 dead with 169 injured, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the capital in years. Authorities continued to assess the aftermath as hospitals treated the wounded and security agencies pressed ahead with investigations.