ISLAMABAD: A shocking tragedy struck the outskirts of the federal capital on Friday, when a suicide blast ripped through an Imambargah during Friday prayers— claiming at least 32 lives and leaving more than 169 worshippers injured.
According to the police and eyewitnesses, the blast occurred at Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in the Tarlai area of the city. The powerful explosion was heard several kilometres away and caused damage to nearby buildings.
A heavy contingent of the police, along with Rescue 1122 personnel, rushed to the site immediately after the blast, cordoned off the area, and shifted the injured and deceased to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital.
Sources said that 28 bodies were brought to PIMS, while four were taken to Polyclinic.
Initial reports confirmed that the deceased and injured included people who were offering the Friday prayer.
Following the explosion, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randava arrived at the scene.The district administration declared an emergency in the federal hospitals, including PIMS, Polyclinic and Capital Development Authority (CDA) hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, a suicide bomber reportedly entered Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra during Friday prayers. The attacker first shot and injured a security guard at the gate. When another guard opened fire upon seeing the attacker, the bomber detonated him in the courtyard of the Imambargah. Those who were killed also included the cousin of IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi.
Security agencies have completely sealed off the blast site to allow the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and forensic teams to collect evidence. Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) have started investigation to determine the nature of the explosion.
Following the directives 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.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition leader in the senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, head of Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen have condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives in the cowardly act.
Zardari expressed grief over the incident, saying, “Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity”. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed that all possible medical facilities be provided to them.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after a briefing with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, asserting that the government will not permit mischief and unrest to take root in the country. He further directed the Health Minister to personally oversee the medical care for the injured, ensuring they receive the best possible facilities.
Upon his return from Dubai, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, along with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, went straight to Tarlai Imambargah, which witnessed a deadly suicide explosion on Friday. Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and Inspector General Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi were also present. The Interior Minister, Minister of State, Secretary Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and IG Islamabad Police offered Maghrib and Isha prayers at the Imambargah and remained there for one hour. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry prayed for the elevation of ranks of those martyred in the blast and also prayed for peace, religious harmony, and national unity.
?Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry inspected the site of the suicide blast and reviewed the situation. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the administrators of the Imambargah and strongly condemned the terrorist attack. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that those who attack innocent worshippers and mosques are brutal beasts. He expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives and directed the Chairman CDA to ensure the complete restoration of the Imambargah at the earliest.
?Naqvi said that elements involved in terrorism in Pakistan have foreign backing, and enemies want to harm Pakistan’s peace, unity, and development; however, the nation is united against them. Minister of State Talal Chaudhry said that terrorists will be eliminated from the sacred land of Pakistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the IG Islamabad Police to conduct a complete investigation into the incident and said that those involved will be arrested soon. The Interior Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed that the best medical facilities be provided to them.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026