Blast reported in imambargah in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD:

At least 31 worshippers were killed and dozens more injured when a massive bomb tore through an imambargah in the Tarlai area of Islamabad on Friday, police and administration officials confirmed. 

The explosion went off just as worshippers were offering Friday prayers at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra on the outskirts of Islamabad. The blast was so powerful that it was heard within a radius of hundreds of metrers, whipping up fear and panic among residents. 

Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon confirmed that at least 31 people have been killed and 169 others injured – some of them critically.

Preliminary reports indicate a possible suicide bombing, with two unnamed police official telling Reuters that the attacker was stopped at the gate of the imambargah before detonating the bomb. Administration officials, however, said it was too early to speculate on the nature of the blast.

Videos circulating on social media and WhatsApp showed several worshippers dead or injured, lying in pools of blood inside the imambargah, as debris and shattered glass littered the carpeted floor. Some casualties could also been seen on the lawns and survivors could be seen calling for help.

Police, Rescue 1122, fire brigade and other emergency teams reached the site shortly after the incident and launched rescue and relief operations. The casualties were driven to different hospitals of the capital, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic, and Capital Development Authority hospitals, where a state of emergency has been declared.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing, but similar attacks in the past had been carried out by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Some police sources blamed the “Fitna al-khawarij”, a blanket term Pakistani officials use for the TTP and its allies.

The blast site has been completely sealed to allow the Bomb Disposal Squad and forensic teams to collect evidence, while Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi has placed the federal capital on high alert. Security forces, including police and rescue teams, have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, with additional personnel stationed at sensitive locations and city entry points.

A statement from the Islamabad police spokesperson said the force had placed the city on high alert following the  explosion.

According to the statement, security was significantly tightened at mosques and imambargahs across the city, with authorities ordering the immediate removal of all encroachments outside religious sites to ensure clear surroundings and minimise risks.

It added that police established strict blockades at all entry and exit points of the city, while additional personnel were deployed to protect the places of worship of the Christian community in Rawalpindi Cantt.

City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani directed all superintendents and sub-divisional police officers to remain in sensitive areas to personally oversee security arrangements.

Furthermore, it said Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence were put on high alert to respond to any potential emergency, while the Safe City Control Room had begun round-the-clock monitoring of the city. 

The statement said the police urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Rescue 15 helpline immediately.

 

Authorities are investigating the cause and nature of the explosion and have issued a public appeal to avoid spreading rumors and to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the situation remains under close monitoring.

A spokesperson for PIMS said the emergency was declared on the instructions of the hospital’s executive director.

On the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited PIMS Hospital. Chaudhry met with patients receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the blast. He directed that special medical facilities be provided for the blast victims and stated that the government is committed to ensuring all possible medical support for the injured.

The Islamabad blast comes in the wake of a spate of recent attacks across Pakistan, including multiple deadly incidents in Balochistan targeting security forces and civilians. The Inter-Services Public Relations said a day ago that security forces had successfully concluded “Operation Raddul-Fitna-1” in Balochistan, killing 216 terrorists in a series of coordinated, intelligence-based operations (IBOs) targeting what the military described as Indian-sponsored terrorist elements,

In November, an attack on the District Judicial Complex in G-11 area of Islamabad killed at least 12 people and injured more than 36 others. In that attack, a suicide attacker attempted to enter court premises but detonated explosives near a police vehicle after being intercepted, causing widespread panic and damage to vehicles nearby.

Condemnations pour in

President Asif Ali Zardari expresseed deep grief over the blast in the federal capital and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

He have instructions to provide all possible medical facilities to the injured.

“Targeting innocent citizens is a crime against humanity. The nation stands with the affected families in this hour of difficulty,” he said.

 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after a briefing with the interior minister, ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, asserting that the government would not permit “mischief and unrest” to take root in the country.

He further directed Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to personally oversee the medical care for the injured, ensuring they receive the best possible facilities.

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said targeting places of worship and civilians was a heinous crime against humanity and a blatant violation of Islamic principles.

“Pakistan stands united against terrorism in all its forms. This barbarity will not intimidate us and extremists will be brought to full account.”

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that such terrorist incidents could not demoralise the nation.

“The need of the hour is that we all stand united for peace, tolerance, and stability, and express complete solidarity with the law enforcement agencies. May God the almighty keep our homeland safe from all kinds of evil and terrorism.”

“Strongly condemn the cowardly blast … My heart goes out to the victims’ families. Pakistan stands united against terrorism — we will bring the perpetrators to justice. Praying for the injured’s swift recovery,” said Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic blast at an imambargah in Islamabad. My heart goes out to the victims and their families during this painful time. Prayers for the swift recovery of the injured, and may God grant patience and strength to all those affected,” said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed grief over the “martyrdom of innocent worshippers”, characterising the incident as a direct assault on humanity and a serious failure of the administration to protect its citizens.

He raised sharp questions regarding the performance of law enforcement agencies in the federal capital and made an urgent humanitarian appeal to the youth of Islamabad to visit hospitals for blood donations to save those in critical condition.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said the attack was “absolutely shocking and deeply disturbing”.

It offered prayers for those killed and injured in the “despicable terrorist attack”.

In a longer statement, the party said: “Targeting a place of worship is an extremely cowardly and inhumane act, which reflects the savagery of the terrorists and is a reprehensible conspiracy to harm peace in Pakistan. PTI fully condemns terrorism and all elements behind it, and demands that the terrorists involved in this heinous crime and their facilitators be brought to immediate justice.”

It further said that the entire nation must stand united so that peace, tolerance and stability could be ensured to eradicate the growing scourge of terrorism.

PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said an assault on a place of worship was not just an act of terror but “an attack on our shared humanity, our religion and the conscience of Pakistan itself”.

He further said that no belief, no grievance and no ideology could ever justify the murder of innocent Muslims, especially within a sacred place meant for prayer, dignity, and peace.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims, their families targeted by this atrocity. Pakistan belongs to every one of its citizens. Sectarian violence is a deadly poison that fractures our society and empowers only those who wish to see our nation burn. Those responsible along with their facilitators must be identified and punished swiftly and without compromise. This is the moment to reject hatred without ambiguity, to defend every place of worship, and to stand united against extremism in all its forms. Terror has no religion. Violence has no justification. Pakistan must choose peace firmly, finally, and together.”

Her further appealed to party workers to head towards hospitals in the capital to donate blood.

“There is an urgent need for blood for the injured — in this hour of crisis, our brothers and sisters who have fallen victim to terrorism need us — you have to help these people; this is also our religious duty. I request that you head to the hospitals and donate as much blood as possible immediately.”

United States Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan Natalie Baker said the US condemned all acts of terror and violence. 

“On behalf of the US, I offer our sincere condolences to those injured and to the families and loved ones of those killed by this attack. Acts of terror and violence against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable.  The people of Pakistan deserve safety, dignity, and the ability to practice their faith without fear.

“The US continues to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace and security and remains committed to our partnership aimed at promoting stability.  We stand with Pakistan during this challenging moment.”

 

UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said in a post on X she was “outraged and heartbroken by the horrific attack” during Friday prayers.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured and their families. Such violence is abhorrent. We stand with Pakistan.’

Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said he strongly condemned the attack on behalf of the Iranian government and people.

“I strongly condemn the hideous and awkward terrorist attack in Islamabad during the Friday prayers which lead to the martyrdom and injury of tens of innocent civilians. I extend my sincere and deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families.”

Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane said he was “shocked and saddened by the horrific attack”. 

He said Australia stood and mourned with Pakistan at the difficult time.