Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Imambargah Khadijatul Kubra in Tarlai on Wednesday. He met the mosque administration, families of the martyrs and announced financial assistance for those affected by the suicide attack.

At least 36 people were killed and around 169 injured when a suicide bomber struck Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra last Friday. The blast, followed by more explosions and gunfire, occurred as worshippers had gathered for Juma’a prayers.

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The attack was the deadliest in Islamabad in more than a decade and the most destructive nationwide since the Peshawar mosque bombing in January 2023.

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During his visit to the Imambargah, the prime minister announced Rs10 million for Shaheed Oun Abbas, who resisted the suicide bomber and lost his life, Rs5 million for each martyr, Rs3 million for severely injured, and Rs1 million for individuals who sustained minor injuries. “There can be no compensation for the precious lives lost in this terrorist attack,” Shehbaz said.

PM Shehbaz met the bereaved families and survivors. Speaking to the affected families, he said the entire nation was grieving over the tragic loss of lives, which included both elders and children.

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Describing the attack as the “worst kind of barbaric act,” he condemned it strongly, stating that the more it was condemned, the less it would be. He also praised religious leaders and ulema for their solidarity, which has always helped thwart the nefarious designs of enemies.

“Shaheed Oun Abbas, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty, will be remembered in golden words,” Shehbaz said, emphasising that such sacrifices in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain. He added that the attack’s attempt to sow division in society had failed miserably.

The prime minister also commended the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and police for their relentless fight against terrorism, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, where they have made significant sacrifices. He prayed for the complete elimination of terrorism from the country.

The premier offered Fateha and prayed for the Shuhadaa. He also prayed for immediate recovery of those injured in the horrific incident. Later, he also paid a visit to the residence of Shaheed Oun Abbas to offer Fateha and condolences.

Federal ministers, police, and district administration officials accompanied the prime minister during the visit and briefed him on the details of the incident.

A day after the blast, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the mastermind of the attack on an Islamabad imambargah was under custody.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad after a high-level security meeting, the interior minister confirmed the arrests and said one police personnel had been martyred while three were injured. Naqvi described Friday as a “black day” for the country and provided updates on the investigation and arrests.

“Following the blast, all our agencies took the lead. Operations continued throughout the night. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) police arrested almost all individuals linked to the attack or the masterminds behind it,” he said.

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He praised the efforts of CTD and K-P police teams in reaching and apprehending the culprits.

“Immediately after the blast, a raid was conducted in Nowshera and Peshawar, and four facilitators were arrested. The ISIS mastermind, an Afghan national, was also captured. During the raid, one assistant sub-inspector from the K-P police was martyred. The mastermind, linked to ISIS, is in our custody,” Naqvi said.