Another attack on Imambargah kills 20 in Rawalpindi

At least 20 people were killed and 47 others injured when an attacker detonated his suicide vest at a Muharram procession near an Imambargah, Rawalpindi.

The attack, in the Dhok Sayidan area of Rawalpindi, comes hours after two back-to-back bomb blasts –40 minutes apart– near an Imambargah in Karachi, which killed two people and left 16 others wounded.

Terrorists belayed the lofty claims by the federal and provincial governments of putting in place foolproof security arrangements for mourning processions during the holy month of Muharram,

Media reports quoted eyewitnesses as saying that a suicide bomber suddenly entered into the Muharram-ul-Haram procession and detonated the explosives strapped to his body. An eyewitness said, “Two unknown people, who did not appear to be mourners, barged in the procession and one of them blew himself up.”

It is pertinent to mention that around 3,000-4,000 mourners left one Imamabargah in the form of a procession and were on their way to another, when the bomber struck.

A hand grenade, which failed to go off, was also recovered from the spot of the blast. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Later DCO Rawalindi, Saqib Zafar, confirmed the casualties. He stated, “So far we have received credible reports that 20 people have been killed and 47 injured in the suicide blast.”

He said around 14 bodies were brought to Rawalpindi DHQ, whereas 6 bodies to Combined Military Hospital. He also informed the media that 5 injured victims of the blast were shifted to Benazir Bhutto Hospital. Moreover blast victims were also other hospitals as well.

On the other hand Medical Superintendent, Dr Sher Ali told media that DHQ Rawalpindi had received 30 injured of which 16 were discharged after first aid, while the wounds of 14 others were being tended to.

Dr Sher also revealed the severed head of the suicide bomber was in the custody of DHQ authorities. The rest of the remains of the suicide bomber were also sent to a hospital for a DNA test, sources added.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the attacks were designed to create the impression that the government is incapable of providing adequate security for the summit. “We are trying to build relationships, get investment in Pakistan and these groups are trying to derail the process,” he added.

The violence erupted a day before Pakistan hosts a summit of developing nations attended by the leaders of Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia and other countries. Some of the presidents have already arrived.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=35274

Posted by Web Desk on Nov 22 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.