At least 31 people were martyred and 169 others injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself inside an imambargah during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, officials confirmed. The devastating attack took place at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra, sending shockwaves across the country and triggering emergency response measures.
According to eyewitnesses, the attacker was intercepted at the entrance of the mosque compound by security guards. The suspect reportedly opened fire when challenged, leading to an exchange of gunfire at the main gate. Witnesses said the main door was located about 30 metres from the imambargah’s entrance.
Despite the resistance, the attacker managed to run nearly 20 metres inside the premises while prayers were underway and detonated the explosives, causing heavy casualties and widespread panic.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene immediately after the blast, shifting the injured and the bodies of the victims to nearby hospitals. Law enforcement agencies, including Pakistan Army troops and Rangers, sealed off the area and launched a full-scale investigation into the attack.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed that an emergency was declared at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Hospital to ensure urgent treatment for the injured.
The PIMS administration reported receiving at least 18 bodies along with more than 78 injured individuals. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital confirmed that four injured victims were brought in, one of whom later succumbed to injuries during treatment.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, police sources indicated that the bombing was allegedly carried out by terrorists linked to “Fitna al-Khawarij.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking on the incident, said preliminary investigations had revealed that the attacker had travelled to Afghanistan multiple times. He claimed there were possible links to external elements, suggesting that India and Afghanistan could be connected through proxy activities.
“After suffering a humiliating defeat last year, India is now waging war through proxies as it no longer has the courage to fight directly,” the minister stated, adding that the state would respond firmly to those responsible.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also confirmed that the suicide bomber had been identified. He clarified that the attacker was not an Afghan national but had visited Afghanistan several times. According to police sources, the suspect was a 32-year-old man from Peshawar, and his identity was confirmed through National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) records.
Chaudhry added that terrorists were increasingly targeting soft civilian locations. He also revealed that a relative of the Islamabad police chief was among those martyred in the tragic incident.
Following the blast, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal imposed an emergency across all federally administered government hospitals in Islamabad. He confirmed that emergency services at PIMS and the Polyclinic were fully operational and that leaves of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff had been cancelled to manage the crisis.
“The government is utilising all available resources for the treatment of the injured,” he said, warning that any negligence in medical care would not be tolerated. He described the attack as highly deplorable and termed those responsible as enemies of humanity.
In response to the tragedy, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz cancelled all Basant-related activities scheduled for the following day. Similarly, the Sindh government called off a musical programme planned as part of a cultural event. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that a dinner in honour of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association would still take place but without music, keeping the atmosphere simple and solemn in solidarity with the victims.
Condolences poured in from across the country. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and offered prayers for the departed souls and patience for the bereaved families. He said targeting civilians was a crime against humanity and reaffirmed that the nation stood united in this hour of grief.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and expressed heartfelt sympathies to the victims’ families. During a conversation with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, he directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice without delay.
The prime minister also instructed the health minister to personally monitor relief efforts and ensure immediate treatment for the injured. He stressed that no one would be allowed to create chaos and unrest in the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also denounced the attack, stating that targeting worshippers and places of worship was a heinous crime against humanity and a violation of Islamic principles.
The tragic incident has left the nation in mourning, with calls for unity and resilience as authorities continue efforts to uncover those behind the attack.
