A powerful blast rattled imambargah Abu Muhammad Rizvi / Aun Mohammad Rizvi in Chatian Hatian in a densely populated area of Rawalpindi on Friday, killing at least 9 people and injuring at least 25 others.The blast took place outside Imambargah Abu Muhammad Rizvi / Aun Mohammad Rizvi in Chatian Hatian Rawalpindi, also damaging the building. An Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) congregation was being observed at the imambargah at the time of the blast. According to the Police the explosion targeted the mosque affiliated with rattled imambargah Abu Muhammad Rizvi / Aun Mohammad Rizvi in Chatian Hatian.Police said the explosion also wounded 25 people. Police authorities believe that the bomber tried to go into the imambargah. When he was stopped at the entrance, he blew himself up outside. Eyewitnesses said the explosion was powerful and blew out windows. “There was a huge bang,” one eyewitness, Gull Baba Qasim Shah , told The Daily Mail from the area. “The injured are being taken out of the mosque on carts because ambulances are unable to enter the narrow street.” At least 6 bodies had been brought to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), where an emergency had been imposed, hospital sources said. Nearly 25 people were also injured in the explosion, with rescue workers saying the number of casualties was expected to rise. Two policemen, who were posted on security duty outside the Imambargah, were also among the injured. Nobody has yet claimed responsibility but militants linked to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Al Qaeda have targeted the country’s Shia minority in the past. Strongly condemning the terrorist attack, Majis Wahdatul Maslimeen (MWM) leader Allama Nasir Abbas said that there was a need to carry out military operations against the terrorists throughout the country.He urged the military leadership to expand the scope of ongoing military offensives in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. Security has been put on a high alert in Rawalpindi and Islamabad following the attack at the imambargah. Condemning the incident, MWM chief Allama Raja Nasir said that Shia Muslims are being killed across the country and the state’s writ is being challenged by the terrorists, but the rulers are not willing to address the issue of extremism. Speaking to Daily mail Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed condemned the incident, urging the masses to form neighborhood committees to oversee suspicious activities.Criticizing the government, he said law enforcement forces have failed to protect lives and properties of common citizens. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar have also condemned the attack. Meanwhile, taking notice of the incident, Interior Minister Chaudry Nisar has ordered the IGP Punjab to launch a probe into the incident. According to Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, he said, every tenth madrassa is being used to promote terrorism and hatred against religious minorities. Nasir said Friday’s attack indicates that terrorists are present everywhere in the country.
