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An explosion ripped through Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers, killing at least 31 worshippers and injuring 169 others, according to a spokesperson of the district administration. As news of the attack began to circulate, thoughts, prayers and condemnations began pouring in from across the country.

Actor Nadia Jamil shared a story on Instagram asking for God to have mercy.

She wasn’t alone, actor Osman Khalid Butt posted on X, sending prayers to the victims, but also saying that “thoughts and prayers from the administration are not enough.” He called for accountability.

RJ Anoushey Ashraf echoed Jamil’s sentiment in her own Instagram story, asking God to have mercy.

Actor Humaima Malik also posted a story on Instagram saying her thoughts were with those who had lost their loved ones. She asked for everyone to pray for the wounded and for Pakistan.

Other stars such as actor Aiman Khan and singer Annural Khalid shared posts about the explosion and appealing for blood for injured victims being treated at Islamabad hospitals.

Islamabad Capital Territory Police Spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too soon to ascertain the nature of the blast. However, he indicated that the signs pointed to a suicide bomber. The district administration spokesperson said the site of the blast had been completely sealed off by security personnel.

Meanwhile, police and Rescue 1122 personnel reached the site of the incident and initiated rescue operations after the explosion. An emergency was also imposed at the federal capital’s Polyclinic, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, and CDA Hospital.

Police in neighbouring Rawalpindi have been placed on high alert, according to a police spokesperson. The attack comes three months after another explosion targeted a district and sessions court building in the capital’s G-11 area in November. Twelve people were killed and more than 30 were injured in the blast.