RAWALPINDI: A suicide blast at a mosque on the outskirts of Rawalpindi city has resulted in the deaths of 31 people and injured 169 others.
According to hospital sources, the death toll has risen to 31, with 169 people receiving medical attention at hospitals.
Initial reports indicate that the suicide bomber was spotted before the attack, and attempts were made to prevent him from reaching his target. However, he detonated his explosive device before being stopped.
Police sources earlier reported that 12 innocent worshippers were killed, and several others sustained injuries in the incident. The bomber has been identified as belonging to the group Fitna-ul-Kharij.
Police sources confirmed that the cousin of the IG Islamabad was among those martyred.
In response to the attack, police and security agencies have quickly arrived at the scene and initiated actions to secure the area. The Inspector General of Islamabad has enforced a state of emergency throughout the city.
Following the blast, an emergency has also been declared at key hospitals in the federal capital, including Polyclinic, PIMS, and CDA Hospital. The main emergency, orthopaedic, burn centre, and neuro departments at PIMS are fully operational, providing immediate assistance to the injured.
Law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area and have begun a thorough investigation into the incident.
