ISLAMABAD: A devastating suicide explosion struck the Khadijatul Kubra Imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan neighbourhood on Friday afternoon, killing at least 12 worshippers and wounding 22 others during the peak of Friday congregational prayers. However the latest tally of deaths have crossed 31 and over 150 are reported to be injured.
The blast, believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber at the main entrance, sent shockwaves through the federal capital and prompted an immediate city-wide emergency declaration by the Islamabad Inspector General of Police. Rescue teams, including those from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and other hospitals, rushed to the scene to evacuate the injured and recover bodies as panic gripped the area.
The incident occurred when a large number of devotees had gathered for Jumma prayers at the Shia place of worship, making the site particularly vulnerable to such an attack. Eyewitness accounts described a loud detonation followed by chaos, with smoke billowing from the entrance and people fleeing in terror. Police officials confirmed the nature of the blast as a suicide bombing, noting that the attacker detonated explosives near the gate, preventing entry into the main hall but causing significant casualties among those nearby. Forensic teams have begun collecting evidence, while the area remains cordoned off for investigation.
Preliminary reports from local administration and health facilities indicate that the death toll stands at 12, with 22 individuals sustaining injuries ranging from shrapnel wounds to severe burns, many of whom are in critical condition at nearby medical centres. Authorities have not yet released official final figures, as search and rescue efforts persist amid concerns that additional victims may be trapped under debris. The blast has raised alarms about a potential resurgence of sectarian-targeted violence in Islamabad, which has remained relatively insulated from such incidents in recent years compared to other parts of the country.
This attack follows a pattern of escalating security challenges in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing outside an Islamabad district court in November 2025 that claimed 12 lives and injured dozens, claimed by a faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for Friday’s explosion, but investigators are examining possible links to militant outfits operating from across the border or local sectarian elements. Interior Ministry officials have vowed a thorough probe, emphasising enhanced security measures at religious sites nationwide to prevent further incidents.
The federal government has condemned the blast in the strongest terms, describing it as an assault on peace and harmony during a sacred time of worship. Prime Minister’s Office sources indicated that high-level meetings are underway to review intelligence failures and bolster counter-terrorism strategies. Community leaders from Shia organisations have called for unity and restraint, urging authorities to bring perpetrators to justice swiftly while avoiding communal tensions in the wake of the tragedy.
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As investigations deepen, the incident underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in urban centres despite ongoing military and intelligence operations. Residents of the capital expressed shock and grief, with many gathering outside hospitals to donate blood and offer support to affected families. The event has drawn international condemnation, highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing struggle against extremism amid regional instability.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/explosion-rocks-shiite-muslim-mosque-islamabad-casualties-feared-say-police-2026-02-06
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