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Saturday, 7 February, 2026 | 18 Sha’ban, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 214 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
31 KILLED, 169 INJURED IN SUICIDE ATTACK DURING FRIDAY PRAYERS; STATE VOWS FULL FORCE RESPONSE
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SUICIDE BOMBER STRIKES ISLAMABAD’S TARLAI IMAMBARGAH DURING FRIDAY PRAYERS, LEAVING DEVASTATION IN ITS WAKE
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DEFENCE MINISTER POINTS TO INDIA-AFGHAN NEXUS BEHIND ATTACK, SAYING STATE WILL RESPOND TO CRUELTY WITH FULL FORCE
AUTHORITIES CLAIM SUICIDE BOMBER IDENTIFIED WHO HAD GOT TRAINING IN AFGHANISTAN AND HAD CONFIRMED MULTIPLE CROSS-BORDER TRIPS
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GOVT REAFFIRMS NATIONAL ACTION PLAN COMMITMENT TO ERADICATE EXTREMIST NETWORKS
PM, PRESIDENT, KP, PUNJAB AND SINDH CMS CONDEMN ATTACK, PLEDGE SWIFT JUSTICE
Security forces eliminate 24 in Orakzai and Khyber operations: ISPR RAWALPINDI
staff report
Condemnations pour in as Pakistan mourns deadly Imambargah attack ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
saleem jadoon
T least 31 worshippers were killed and 169 others injured when a suicide bomber attacked Imambargah Khadijahtul Kubra in the Tarlai area on the outskirts of Islamabad during Friday prayers with the authorities claimed to have identified the attacker who had received training in Afghanistan, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif suggested the involvement of India and Afghanistan in orchestrating the attack.
Senior government officials said, “At least 31 worshippers were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a mosque on the outskirts of the capital.” The Islamabad district administration confirmed the fatalities, noting that the blast occurred around midday, coinciding with Friday prayers. Police officials confirmed the explosion took place at the Imambargah, emphasizing that the blast struck during prayers, a time when the congregation was largest. This attack comes amid a renewed surge in militant violence across Pakistan, following a suicide
ATC extends judicial remand of lawyers Imaan Mazari, Hadi Chattha for two weeks ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday extended the judicial remand of lawyer Imaan Zainab Hazir-Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, for 14 more days in a case linked to a lawyers’ protest at Constitution Avenue. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, presiding over the hearing, marked the couple’s attendance via video link from Adiala Jail after the prosecution cited the prevailing law-and-order situation, which made their physical production difficult. The next hearing has been scheduled for February 19. The couple, already sentenced to a combined 17 years in prison in a separate case over controversial social media posts, were arrested last month while leaving the Islamabad High Court. Separately, the Islamabad High Court issued a written order on a petition filed by Dr Shireen Mazari concerning the couple’s denied visitation rights following their conviction. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir noted that the petitioner had not approached the relevant administrative forum and converted the petition into an application, forwarding it to the Adiala jail superintendent for an expeditious decision in accordance with prison rules.
Condemnations poured in on Friday after a suicide bomber targeted Imambargah Khadijahtul Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, killing at least 31 worshippers and injuring dozens during Friday prayers. Officials fear the death toll may rise as several of the wounded remain in critical condition. Emergency services across the capital were placed on high alert, with all major hospitals declaring emergencies and mobilising doctors, nurses and paramedics to provide immediate treatment. Rescue teams rushed the injured to multiple hospitals, while security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, collecting forensic evidence from the site. Eyewitnesses said the attacker opened fire at the entrance of the bombing outside a district court in Islamabad last November that killed 12 people and wounded dozens, underscor-
imambargah and detonated explosives when security guards attempted to stop him at the main gate. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and sorrow over the attack, offering condolences to the families of the martyrs and praying for patience and strength for the bereaved. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the bombing, expressing profound anguish over the loss of precious lives and extending sympathies to the affected families. Following the attack, the prime minister ordered the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible, vowing that the perpetrators and their facilitators would be brought to justice. China offers condolences, stands firmly with Pakistan: embassy The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and injuries caused by the explosion at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra.
ing persistent security concerns in even highly guarded urban centers.
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Tarar says Imran’s ‘detailed’ medical report handed over to family as PTI again moves SC for doctors’ access ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Friday said that a “detailed” medical report of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan had been handed over to his family, while the Adiala Jail administration informed the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Islamabad that Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were receiving medical treatment in accordance with jail rules. Tarar’s statement on social media platform X came hours after the PTI again approached the Supreme Court (SC), seeking access to Imran’s medical report and visitation rights for his personal doctors and family members. Minister Tarar noted that National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai had written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while PTI leaders had also petitioned the apex court regarding the medical checkup of Imran Ahmad Niazi, who is serving his sentence in Central Jail, Rawalpindi. “On directions from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), a detailed report was sent by the ex-
ecutive director of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to the superintendent of Central Jail, Rawalpindi (Adiala), and has been handed over to the family,” Tarar said. According to the report, Dr. Rana Imran Sikander, executive director of PIMS, stated that Imran (age 74) had reported reduced vision in his right eye. A senior ophthalmologist from PIMS conducted a comprehensive eye assessment at Adiala Jail, including slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, intraocular pressure measurements, essential laboratory tests, and Optical Coherence Tomography of the retina. “The diagnosis of right cen-
tral retinal vein occlusion was made, and hospital-based followup treatment was recommended,” the report said. Imran was subsequently brought to PIMS for the procedure, where the treatment plan was explained to him and informed consent obtained. The procedure was carried out under standard sterile protocols and monitoring in the operating theatre and was completed smoothly in approximately 20 minutes. “During the treatment, the patient remained vitally stable and was discharged with routine post-procedure care instructions, follow-up advice, and documents,” Dr Rana confirmed.
Security forces killed 24 militants during two intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai and Khyber districts on February 4 and 5, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday. According to the military’s media wing, the first action was launched in Orakzai after reports of militant presence in the area. Troops engaged the location during an exchange of fire that left 14 militants dead. In a separate operation in Khyber district, security personnel confronted another group during a firefight, killing 10 more militants, the statement added. The ISPR said follow-up sanitisation operations were under way to clear the areas of any remaining suspects. It added that the counter-terrorism drive under the National Action Plan’s vision of Azm-e-Istehkam would continue with the involvement of security forces and lawenforcement agencies to curb militancy.
Punjab cancels Basant events after Tarlai bombing, vows unity against terror LAHORE
staff report
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari on Friday announced that, on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, all Basant-related events scheduled for Saturday (tomorrow) have been cancelled in the wake of the suicide bombing at an Imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area. The show planned at Liberty Chowk has also been called off. In a statement issued on Friday, the information minister said the Punjab government stands firmly with the families of the martyrs in their grief and pain and will extend all possible support during this difficult time. She said hostile elements have repeatedly attempted to prevent Pakistan’s positive image from being projected to the world; however, the government and the public remain united to defeat such negative agendas. Azma Bokhari said terrorists were confronted with determination in the past and would continue to be dealt with firmly in the future. She stressed that the nation’s morale was high before and remains high today, adding that the people of Pakistan would neither bow to terrorism nor surrender in the face of challenges. Maryam Nawaz’s cultural initiative wins public appreciation In a separate statement, Azma Bokhari said Lahore had once again proven itself to be a city of vibrant and lively people, where joy and cultural traditions are celebrated with enthusiasm. She said an important cultural initiative taken by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had won the hearts of the public by restoring happiness through the revival of Basant celebrations. She added that not only citizens from across Pakistan but also a large number of overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors from different countries have arrived in Lahore to celebrate Basant, creating a colorful and festive atmosphere across the city. According to her, Lahore and its skies are now filled with the beautiful colours of Basant. Urging citizens to celebrate responsibly, the minister emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety. She said no motorcyclist should travel without a safety rod, while police and district administration teams are strictly enforcing the standard operating procedures (SOPs). She further advised citizens to use only QR-code approved kites and string, adding that individuals flying kites from rooftops must strictly follow all safety guidelines and SOPs. She noted that due to increased supply, the prices of kites and string have dropped significantly, and with additional supply expected by the evening, prices are likely to decline further.
Pakistan-Uzbekistan set new heights for ties with $3.4b B2B deals as Mirziyoyev concludes visit ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan would henceforth be measured by trade flows, investment projects, industrial partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges. He invited Uzbek businesses to explore opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, mining, agriculture, and tourism, as private sector entities from both countries signed MoUs worth $3.4 billion for B2B cooperation. Addressing the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum in Islamabad alongside Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who concluded a two-day state visit, PM Shehbaz said both sides had signed a protocol to achieve an ambitious yet attainable target of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion in five years, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The forum, attended by ministers and businessmen from both nations, focused on creating a conducive business environment
with no room for bureaucratic or systemic hurdles. Both leaders welcomed the B2B deals, calling them highly achievable given the comprehensive programs and frameworks already in place. “I am here, of course, as Prime Minister of Pakistan, but for this forum, I am the CEO of Pakistan. I am just a telephone call away. My colleagues are just a telephone call away.
We will remove any bottleneck or impediment on the way. Bureaucracy and red tape will not create any hurdles in your business proposals,” PM Shehbaz assured. He emphasized that the protocol would lead to the formation of a working group tasked with drafting a five-year roadmap to promote trade, investment, joint collaboration in research and development, IT, and
agriculture. Tourism was also highlighted as a sector with significant mutual growth potential, while he expressed confidence that
the $3.4 billion B2B MoUs would materialize into concrete projects.
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Zardari, Mirziyoyev chart ‘historic course’ to elevate Pakistan–Uzbekistan ties ISLAMABAD
staff report
President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said that Pakistan places great importance on its close and brotherly ties with Uzbekistan, describing the partnership as a natural and enduring one rooted in shared history, culture, and faith. “Pakistan is committed to elevating bilateral relations to new heights through closer cooperation in connectivity, trade, and people-to-people contacts,” President Zardari said during a bilateral meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat
Mirziyoyev, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to a press release from the President’s Office. Later, President Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, on President Mirziyoyev in recognition of his contributions to strengthening Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations. The Special Investiture Ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal cabinet members, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, diplomats, parliamentarians, and was followed by a state banquet in honour of the visiting President.