By Ahmed J Versi
London, (The Muslim News): At least 31 people were killed and 169 others injured when a powerful explosion ripped through an Imambargah [Islamic Centre] during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, authorities confirmed on Friday. The blast occurred at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra, triggering panic across the locality and prompting the authorities to declare an emergency in the federal capital.
According to a statement issued by the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, the death toll rose as more injured worshippers succumbed to their wounds in hospitals. Officials said many of the injured were in critical condition.
[Photo provided by family member to The Muslim News]
The explosion was heard over a considerable distance, causing fear and confusion among residents. Police, Rescue 1122, fire brigade and other emergency teams rushed to the scene and launched rescue and relief operations. Television footage and images circulating on social media showed bloodied bodies lying on the mosque’s carpeted floor amid shattered glass and debris, while dozens of wounded lay in the garden outside as people cried for help.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too early to definitively determine the nature of the blast, but initial evidence suggested it may have been a suicide bombing. The blast site has been completely sealed off to allow bomb disposal and forensic teams to collect evidence, while a search operation has been launched in the surrounding area.
[Photo: View of the damaged area after bomb blast at Quetta Redzone area in Balochistan, Pakistan on Feburary 01, 2026. At least 18 civilians, 15 soldiers, and 133 militants were killed in clashes as Pakistani security forces thwarted major terrorist attacks in the southwestern province of Balochistan, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing. Photojournalist: Mazhar Chandio/AA]
In response to the attack, Inspector General of Police Islamabad placed the capital on high alert. Additional security personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations and city entry and exit points.
Emergencies were imposed at major hospitals, including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic and CDA Hospital. Hospital spokespersons said all major departments — including emergency, orthopaedics, burn units and neurology — had been activated to treat the injured. Assistant commissioners were also deployed at hospitals to oversee medical care.
On the instructions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited PIMS, where he met victims receiving treatment and directed hospital authorities to ensure the provision of special medical facilities for the injured.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. After receiving a briefing from the interior minister, the Prime Minister said the government would not allow “mischief and unrest” to take root in the country and directed the health minister to personally oversee the treatment of the injured.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed grief over the loss of lives, calling the targeting of innocent civilians “a crime against humanity,” and directed that all possible medical facilities be provided to the victims.
Condemnations poured in from political and religious leaders. Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas described the attack as a grave failure of security in the federal capital and said targeting places of worship was an assault on humanity and social values. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry termed the bombing a “cowardly act” and stressed national unity against terrorism.
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam also condemned the attack on behalf of his government, extending condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicion is likely to fall on terrorist outfits such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group, both of which have previously carried out attacks on Shiite worshippers in Pakistan.
Although Islamabad has generally been spared frequent terrorist attacks, the bombing comes amid a broader surge in violence across the country, particularly in Balochistan. It also follows a suicide attack outside a district and sessions court in Islamabad’s G-11 area on November 11, in which at least 12 people were killed and more than 30 injured.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as investigations into the deadly blast continue.
[Map of Pakistan by CIA/US Govt]
