ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced a compensation package for the victims of last week’s deadly suicide bombing at the Khadijah al-Kubra Imambargah in Islamabad, saying the entire nation was mourning the tragic loss of precious lives.
At least 37 worshippers were martyred and more than 150 others injured when a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the imambargah during Friday prayers in the Tarlai area.
During his visit to the imambargah, the prime minister announced Rs10 million in compensation for Shaheed Oun Abbas, who bravely resisted the attacker and embraced martyrdom. He also announced Rs5 million for each martyr, Rs3 million for each critically injured person, and Rs1 million for those who sustained minor injuries.
The prime minister offered fateha for the departed souls and prayed for the elevation of their ranks and the early recovery of the injured. He also met with the bereaved families and survivors, expressing his deep grief and condolences.
“There can be no true compensation for the precious lives lost in this barbaric act,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that the entire nation stood in solidarity with the affected families.
Terming the attack the “worst kind of barbarism,” the prime minister said such acts of terror could never weaken the country’s resolve. He praised religious scholars and leaders from all schools of thought for unanimously condemning the attack and demonstrating unity against the enemies’ nefarious designs.
Paying tribute to Shaheed Oun Abbas, the prime minister said his courage and sacrifice would be remembered in golden words, and assured that such sacrifices in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain.
He also lauded the armed forces, police, and law enforcement agencies for their continued efforts against terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and said the nation was indebted to their sacrifices.
Later, PM Shehbaz visited the residence of Shaheed Oun Abbas to offer fateha and extend condolences to his family.
