Family’s wedding preparations turn into mourning
ISLAMABAD: A young man who was weeks away from beginning a new chapter of his life was martyred in the suicide bombing at Khadijat-ul-Kubra Imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, a tragedy that plunged dozens of families into grief.
Aun Abbas lost his life in the attack during Friday prayers, which claimed at least 33 lives and injured dozens of worshippers. At his home, wedding preparations were already underway, as his family looked forward to celebrations planned for the coming weeks.
Relatives said Aun had been engaged for nearly a year, with his nikah scheduled during the holy month of Ramadan and his rukhsati planned after Eid ul Fitr. Consequently, the household had been busy arranging ceremonies and preparing the new home before the sudden blast shattered their hopes.
Act of courage remembered by grieving relatives
According to his brother, Aun was standing near a rear gate of the imambargah when the attacker attempted to force his way inside while firing shots. He said Aun confronted the assailant and tried to restrain him.
“At that moment, the bomber detonated himself,” his brother recalled. “We are devastated, but we are also proud that Aun sacrificed his life to protect others. If the attacker had gone further inside, the casualties would have been far greater.”
In a heartbreaking turn, the traditional sehra meant for Aun’s wedding was placed on his grave instead. Meanwhile, funeral prayers for Aun Abbas and other victims were held amid large gatherings, as mourners paid their final respects to those martyred.
Police said the attacker opened fire before detonating explosives at the imambargah entrance. Investigators recovered an identity card identifying the suspect as Yasir, 32, a resident of Peshawar. Authorities said he had lived in Afghanistan for five months, where he reportedly received training before carrying out the attack.
