ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (KUNA) -- At least 24 people lost their lives while over 100 others sustained injuries after an explosion ripped through a place of worship in Pakistan's federal capital Islamabad on Friday, said officials.
Islamabad police spokesperson, Taqi Jawad confirming the death toll said that it was too soon to ascertain the nature of the blast and forensics teams would need to determine whether it was a suicide or a planted bomb.
The explosion occurred at a worship place of a minority sect in Tarlai area of the federal capital. Security forces and rescue teams reached the site of the incident and initiated rescue operations.
An emergency was imposed in all government hospitals of Islamabad. Security forces have cordoned off the area, and the site of the blast has been completely sealed.
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari extended condolences to the victims who lost their lives in the blast and expressed grief over the incident, saying, "Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity".
The president prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed that all possible medical facilities be provided to them. (end) sbk.seo