ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - A police officer was martyred, while four alleged facilitators were arrested in a series of raids conducted by police in Peshawar and Nowshehra following a deadly suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad.
Officials have confirmed that 33 people lost their lives in the deadly blast at the Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque during Friday prayers in Tarlai Kallan in an area of the capital city. Numerous others have been hospitalized with injuries.
Security sources revealed that the arrests were made as a result of a combination of technical and human intelligence gathered in the aftermath of the bombing.
Additionally, officials confirmed the capture of the Afghan mastermind behind the attack, who is believed to be affiliated with the militant group Daesh (ISIS).
The security sources also disclosed that the planning, training, and mental conditioning for the suicide bombing were carried out in Afghanistan under the auspices of Daesh.
The involvement of Afghan Taliban elements in facilitating and supporting such operations has raised serious concerns about the regional and global security threats posed by these groups.
In related developments, a raid on the suicide bomber's home led to the arrest of four individuals, including two brothers and a woman.
The ongoing intelligence-based operations are expected to continue, with authorities determined to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
Earlier, funeral prayers of the victims martyred in the Islamabad suicide bombing were offered at Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra and Imambargah Jamia Sadiq amid grief and heavy security.
Funeral prayers for eleven martyrs were held at Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra, while three martyrs were laid to rest after prayers at Imambargah Jamia Sadiq.
In addition, absentee funeral prayers were offered for a total of 33 martyrs.
Federal ministers, police officials, prominent religious scholars from all schools of thought, political leaders, and a large number of citizens attended the prayers.
Emotional scenes were witnessed as coffins were brought in, with mourners struggling to hold back tears.
Lahore on high alert after Islamabad suicide blast
The funeral prayer at Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra was led by Allama Hussain Muqaddasi, while Agha Sheikh Muhammad Shifa Najafi led the prayers at Imambargah Jamia Sadiq in G-9. Strict security arrangements were in place, and law enforcement agencies remained on high alert.