At least 31 killed, 169 injured in blast at Islamabad imambargah

At least 31 people were killed and scores of others wounded on Friday after an explosion ripped through an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, in a post on his X account, said 31 people were killed, and more than 169 people were injured as a result of the explosion in the federal capital.

“Emergency has been imposed in PIMS, Polyclinic, and CDA Hospital. Assistant commissioners have been deployed to various hospitals to oversee the treatment and care of the injured. The site of the explosion has been completely sealed off,” he said.

Emergency services have rushed to the site to shift the wounded to nearby hospitals.

On the other hand, the Punjab government has also dispatched 25 “fully equipped” emergency ambulances to Islamabad for the victims of the imambargah blast. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said all hospitals across the Rawalpindi district have been placed on high alert, with surgical teams, anesthetists, orthopedic and neurosurgical specialists on standby.

“Blood banks are fully staffed, and operation theatres are fully equipped to ensure prompt and effective medical care for the injured. Commissioner and DC Pindi have been directed to extend every possible assistance,” she added.

According to police sources, a suicide bomber attempted to enter the imambargah in Tarlai during Friday prayers, but upon being intercepted by individuals present at the site, he blew himself up, Aaj News reported.

Images from the site showed bloodied bodies lying on the carpeted mosque floor surrounded by shards of glass, debris and panicked worshippers.

Dozens more wounded were lying in the garden outside the mosque as people called for help. Bombings are rare in the heavily-guarded capital, although Pakistan has been hit by a rising wave of militancy in the past few years.

The explosion hit the mosque during Friday prayers, police official Zafar Iqbal said.

Two police officials said the attacker was stopped at the gate of the mosque before detonating the bomb. They asked not to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media, Reuters reported.

A suicide bombing on November 11 last year killed 12 people in Islamabad and wounded 27 others in an attack Pakistan said was carried out by an Afghan national. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

READ MORE: Faisalabad factory blast kills 15, injures seven

Condemnations, prayers pour in

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed grief and sorrow over the explosion, extending his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast and prayed for their strength and patience, the President House (Media Wing) reported.

He also prayed for the swift recovery of the wounded and directed that every possible medical facility be provided to them.

“Targeting innocent citizens is a crime against humanity,” President Zardari stated. He further added that the nation stands with the affected families in this hour of grief.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the explosion at an imambargah in Tarlai, Islamabad, the PM Office stated.

The prime minister expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the blast and offered his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. He prayed for the high ranks of the martyrs and for the patience of their loved ones.

During a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PM Shehbaz directed a thorough investigation into the incident to immediately identify those responsible. He also ordered that the best possible medical facilities be provided to the injured, instructing Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to personally oversee the treatment.

“The perpetrators of this blast must be identified and given exemplary punishment,” the prime minister asserted. He further stated that no one will be allowed to spread mischief or unrest in the country.

The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Islamabad that left innocent worshippers dead and injured, US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A Baker in a statement said, adding: “We condemn all acts of terror and violence, including this attack.”

On behalf of the United States, she said, she offers 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,” Baker maintained.

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

UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said she was outraged and heartbroken by the horrific attack at imambargah in Islamabad during Friday prayers. “My thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured and their families. Such violence is abhorrent. We stand with Pakistan,” she added.

Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, in a statement on X, said: “On behalf of the government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and we pray for the safe and speedy recovery of the injured.

“May Allah Almighty grant his blessings to the martyrs and bless them with eternal peace in Jannat-ul-Firdous.”

On the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry arrived at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

The minister of state visited the patients undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the blast. He directed the hospital administration to provide special medical facilities to the victims.

“The government is committed to providing every possible medical facility to the injured patients,” Talal stated.

PM hails global support

PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude for the strong messages of sympathy and support received from around the world, noting that international backing has remained critical to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.

He said the Pakistani nation stands united in the face of terrorism and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to defeat militant threats, emphasizing that such heinous acts would never be allowed to succeed.

Maryam cancels Basant events

Meanwhile, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz announced the cancellation of all Basant-related activities scheduled for Saturday following a deadly blast in Islamabad that left dozens dead and injured.

In a post on X, the chief minister said the mega Basant show planned at Liberty Square in Lahore also stood cancelled in the wake of what she described as the “Islamabad tragedy.”

“It is imperative that the nation remains united against the Khwarji menace and their sympathisers, shows them no mercy, and stands shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces in defence of the country,” Maryam said.