ISLAMABAD: A suicide bomber struck the Imambargah Khadijatul Kubra inIslamabad’s Tarlai area on Friday, killing at least 31 people and wounding169 during crowded Friday prayers. The blast, which authorities haveclassified as a suicide attack, unfolded as worshippers performed Jummahsalah in this Shia place of worship located in the southeastern suburb ofShehzad Town. Islamabad’s deputy commissioner Irfan Memon confirmed thecasualty figures, noting that the death toll and injuries were verifiedfrom hospitals where victims were rushed. The incident has prompted acitywide emergency declaration at major medical facilities including thePakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
The attacker approached the main entrance of the three-storey imambargahbut was stopped by vigilant security guards stationed at the gate. Reportsindicate the bomber opened fire before detonating an explosive vestestimated to contain significant explosives. This intervention by theguards, though resulting in injuries and possibly one fatality among them,limited the blast’s impact to the entrance area rather than the packedprayer hall inside. The explosion shattered windows, damaged adjacenthomes, and scattered debris across the compound, creating scenes of horrorwith bloodied worshippers and cries for help echoing through the locality.
Eyewitness Syed Ashfaq, a resident of a house adjacent to the imambargahand self-described administrator, recounted the immediate aftermath tomedia. He rushed out upon hearing gunfire and realized an attack wasunderway. Guards informed him that three assailants were initiallyinvolved, though details remain under investigation. Ashfaq describedoverwhelming chaos with severely wounded individuals missing limbs, andlocals using personal vehicles to transport the injured to hospitals asambulances arrived delayed by about an hour. His account highlights thecommunity’s swift response amid the tragedy.
Rescue operations involved police, army troops, and paramilitary Rangerswho swiftly cordoned off the area to secure the site and facilitate medicalevacuations. Hospitals in the capital declared emergencies to handle theinflux of casualties, many in critical condition requiring urgent surgery.Forensic teams began collecting evidence to determine the exact nature ofthe explosives and any potential links to militant networks. No group hasclaimed responsibility yet, but such attacks on Shia gatherings havehistorically been associated with sectarian militants operating in theregion.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened security concerns inPakistan, where militant groups have periodically targeted minoritycommunities and public spaces. The capital has seen relative calm in recentyears compared to previous waves of violence, making this attackparticularly shocking. It coincided with an official visit by Uzbekistan’sPresident Shavkat Mirziyoyev, adding to diplomatic sensitivities. Politicalleaders across the spectrum, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari,condemned the blast as an assault on humanity, religion, and nationalconscience, calling for enhanced intelligence and security measures.
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The blast has reignited debates on protecting vulnerable religious sites,especially during high-attendance prayers. Community leaders emphasized theneed for better coordination between law enforcement and localadministrations to prevent infiltration. Hospitals continue to updatecasualty figures as some injured remain in critical care, and authoritieshave appealed for blood donations to support treatment efforts.Investigations are ongoing to trace the bomber’s background and possibleaccomplices.
Public outrage has grown over the targeting of a place of worship,underscoring persistent challenges in countering extremism. Officials vowedthorough probes to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent recurrence.The tragedy has united calls for solidarity with the affected Shiacommunity and stronger national resolve against terrorism.
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