Govt begins disbursement of compensation to Imambargah Khadija (SA) attack victims’ families

KARACHI: The federal government has initiated the disbursement of financial compensation to the families of those martyred in the February 6 terrorist attack on Khadija-tul-Kubra Imambargah in Islamabad, fulfilling a pledge made earlier by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, compensation cheques worth Rs5 million each have been handed over to the families of 36 martyrs belonging to Islamabad. The process is underway to deliver cheques to the heirs of the remaining four victims, who hailed from Taunsa Sharif, Talagang, Astore, and Skardu.
The financial assistance was announced by the Prime Minister during his visit to Tarlai Imambargah on February 11, days after the deadly attack that targeted worshippers and shook the federal capital. The attack, which claimed 40 lives in total, has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing the country despite years of counterterrorism operations.
The prompt delivery of compensation reflects an effort by the government to demonstrate responsiveness and solidarity with the affected families. Observers note that timely financial assistance in such cases is critical, particularly where the deceased were primary breadwinners. The Rs5 million package per family is intended to provide immediate relief and financial stability amid profound personal loss.
Government officials have emphasized that the process is being handled with transparency and coordination between federal and provincial authorities to ensure that all entitled families receive their due without delay.
However, policy analysts argue that while financial compensation is an essential first step, a broader victim support framework may be necessary. In previous incidents, experts have called for long-term measures such as educational scholarships for children of martyrs, healthcare support, and employment facilitation for dependents to complement one-time payments.
The February 6 attack has renewed debate over security arrangements for places of worship, particularly in urban centers considered relatively secure. Islamabad, being the federal capital, has often been viewed as better protected compared to other regions. The targeting of an Imambargah in such a high-security zone has raised concerns about intelligence gaps and the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures.