Islamabad, 06 February (H.S.): At least 15 people were killed and more than 80 others injured in a powerful explosion that struck an imam bargah in Pakistan's capital during Friday Jumma prayers.According to a Dawn report, the blast occurred on Friday in the Tarlai area of the capital at the imam bargah. Police and Rescue 1122 teams are currently engaged in relief and rescue operations at the site.

This attack took place during the two-day official visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taki Jawad stated that it would be premature to speculate on the nature of the explosion at this stage.

Forensic teams will determine whether it was a suicide blast or carried out using a planted bomb.Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry strongly condemned the attack in an X post, expressing grief over the loss of lives in this cowardly act. He extended condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and asserted that such terrorist acts cannot break the nation's resolve.

We must unite for peace, tolerance, and stability, and stand in solidarity with law enforcement agencies, he added.Last November, a suicide blast outside a district court in Islamabad's G-11 area had claimed 12 lives and injured more than 30 people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar