ISLAMABAD: Abid Jaffery, a 32-year-old private sector employee, was among the survivors of the deadly suicide bombing that struck Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers, killing at least 36 worshippers and injuring more than 100 others.

Jaffery arrived at the imambargah shortly before prayers began and took a place on the right side of the packed prayer hall — a decision he believes saved his life. As the congregation moved into the second rakat, the sound of gunfire echoed briefly before a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the main entrance.

The blast filled the hall with dust and darkness, causing panic and devastation. Jaffery recalled bodies scattered near the gate and worshippers screaming for help. Amid the chaos, he and others escaped through a side exit, running barefoot into the open area outside.

He sustained minor injuries to his feet from broken glass but said the emotional impact was far heavier. “Most of those praying closest to the entrance were martyred,” he said.

Still in shock, Jaffery contacted his family, realising how narrowly he had survived one of Islamabad’s deadliest attacks in years.