An Islamabad imambargah suicide attack struck the Tarlai area during Friday prayers, killing at least 31 people and injuring dozens more, officials confirmed. The explosion took place inside Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra, turning a place of worship into a scene of devastation.
Eyewitnesses said the suicide bomber detonated himself after being stopped at the entrance. Before the blast, the attacker opened fire, prompting guards to respond as they tried to prevent him from entering the imambargah.
According to witnesses, the main door of the imambargah is located about 30 metres from the gate. When the attacker reached the gate, security guards attempted to stop him, leading to an exchange of fire.
Moments later, the attacker detonated the explosive device. The blast caused severe casualties among worshippers gathered for Friday prayers.
Emergency response and rescue efforts
Following the explosion, rescue teams rushed to the site and began evacuating the injured and recovering bodies. Law enforcement agencies, including the Pakistan Army and the Rangers, cordoned off the area and launched a security sweep.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed that an emergency had been imposed at major hospitals, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital, and CDA Hospital.
PIMS administration stated that at least 18 bodies were brought to the hospital, along with more than 78 injured victims. Medical staff worked under emergency conditions to treat the wounded.
At Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital, authorities confirmed that four injured victims were received. One of them later died during treatment, further increasing the death toll.
Read: Blast Reported Near Imambargah in Islamabad Amid Heightened Security Concerns
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, police sources said the suicide bombing was carried out by terrorists linked to Fitna al-Khawarij.
Government sources later confirmed that the suicide bomber had been identified. According to preliminary findings, the attacker received terrorist training in Afghanistan and had travelled to the neighbouring country multiple times.
The attack has intensified security concerns in the federal capital, especially at religious sites. Authorities have increased vigilance and are reviewing security arrangements across Islamabad.
Officials said investigations are ongoing to identify facilitators and prevent further attacks, as the country remains on high alert following recent incidents.
