ISLAMABAD: A suicide bombing at an Imambargah during Friday prayers left at least 31 worshippers dead and over 170 injured, many in critical condition.
Rescue 1122 and police authorities reported the bomber detonated his explosives after being intercepted by security guards at the entrance.
The attacker targeted the Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra Imambargah in the Tarlai Kalan area on Friday afternoon. The powerful blast has placed the federal capital on high alert. After opening fire on security guards stationed outside, the assailant forced his way into the Imambargah and detonated his suicide vest in the entryway.
The Islamabad inspector general of police (IGP) confirmed that Hassan Raza, a first cousin of the IGP, was among the martyred.
Preliminary security reports indicate alert guards intercepted the assailant at the main gate. Unable to breach the interior prayer hall, the bomber triggered his vest at the threshold—a move officials say likely prevented significantly higher casualties.
The explosion caused major structural damage to the mosque’s entrance and shattered windows in nearby residential and commercial buildings. Mobile footage from the scene showed thick plumes of black smoke rising over the Tarlai neighbourhood as ambulances and fire tenders from across the city converged. The Islamabad IGP has declared a city-wide emergency.
Injured individuals have been rushed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and other nearby facilities.
Police and counter-terrorism units have cordoned off the area to collect forensic evidence, including DNA samples from the blast site.
Law enforcement has increased patrols and established checkpoints at all entry and exit points of the capital.
While no group has yet claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack, the timing and target have prompted the Interior Ministry to review security protocols for religious congregations city-wide.
Official investigators are tracking a complex trail of international coordination and tactical training leading back to foreign soil.
Security officials have identified the primary assailant as having undergone specialised training in various militant tactics, including suicide missions, within Afghanistan.
Investigations reveal he entered Pakistan several times over recent months. Upon his final crossing, he was integrated into a local support network, utilising safe houses and logistical resources provided by a chain of facilitators.
Official sources allege the operation was not an isolated event but the result of active collusion between terrorist entities operating from Afghanistan and India. Authorities are currently analysing communication data to further substantiate these links.
Official figures for the exact number of fatalities and injuries are pending as search and recovery operations continue. The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has advised citizens to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement near the cordoned-off zones.
A worshipper at the imambargah described an “extremely powerful” explosion ripping through the building just after prayer started.
Muhammad Kazim, 52, told AFP he arrived at the Imambargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra shortly after 1:00pm on Friday and took up a place around seven or eight rows from the Imam.
“During the first bow of the Namaz (prayer ritual), we heard gunfire,” he told AFP outside the PIMS hospital, where many of the wounded were brought for treatment.
“And while we were still in the bowing position, an explosion occurred,” he said.
Kazim — from Gilgit Baltistan who currently lives in Islamabad — escaped unharmed, but accompanied his wounded friend to the PIMS hospital for treatment.
“It was unclear whether it was a suicide bombing, but the explosion was extremely powerful and caused numerous casualties,” Kazim said.
“Debris fell from the roof, and windows were shattered,” he added. “When I got outside, many bodies were scattered... Many people lost their lives.”
Another worshipper, Imran Mahmood, described a gunfight between the suicide bomber, a possible accomplice and volunteer security personnel at the Imambargah. “The suicide attacker was trying to move forward, but one of our injured volunteers fired at him from behind, hitting him in the thigh,” Mahmood, in his fifties, told AFP.
“He fell but got up again. Another man accompanying him opened fire on our volunteers,” he said, adding the attacker “then jumped onto the gate and detonated the explosives”.
This incident marks a troubling resurgence of targeted violence in Islamabad. The capital has been on edge following a series of security lapses, including a deadly suicide bombing at the district courts complex in November 2025 that claimed 12 lives.
Speaking to the media in the evening, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that 31 people were martyred and over 100 injured in the Tarlai Imambargah suicide attack. The explosion occurred at 1:42 pm.
He said that the suicide attacker had been identified. All rescue agencies reached the site within 10 to 12 minutes. These terrorists carry out bombings for dollars, not for the sake of Allah—the more people killed, the more dollars these people get.
He said the investigation is going on and they are tracing the facilitators. “Insha’Allah, within 72 hours, we will present a detailed report on all handlers and individuals involved in this incident on the orders of the prime minister.”
Responding to a question, the state minister for interior said this is not a security failure but a reaction, because we are a front-line state in the war against terrorism and are protecting the entire world—that is why attacks are being carried out against us. “They only want to weaken this wall, and that wall is ‘Pakistan’. If this wall is weakened, this fire will not stop at our borders. This is our responsibility. We are a responsible state and are fulfilling our duty. We are going to win this war, and we are winning this war.”
Answering another question, he said all security agencies are doing their job. After this operation, the suicide bomber has been identified. “If we know where he traveled from, the remaining information will also come to light. However, until the investigation is complete, many details cannot be disclosed so that miscreants do not take advantage. But rest assured that from the handlers of the previous attack in Islamabad to every single person involved, all have been apprehended and are being dealt with according to the law. These individuals will also, Insha’Allah, be apprehended very soon.”
In response to a question, he stated that Pakistan will only be secure when we secure the whole of Pakistan. “Islamabad’s borders are adjacent to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and it is a very long border. Islamabad is the first city in Pakistan that is moving beyond a ‘Safe City’ and is now going to become a ‘Smart City’. This year, under the Smart City project, major investments are being made in cameras and other technology. All institutions are equipped with modern equipment and their capabilities are being enhanced. In Islamabad, whether it was the previous blast or target killings, 100 percent of the accused have been arrested and brought to a logical conclusion.”
He explained that an attempt was made to stop the attacker; he opened fire, and he could not succeed in causing the level of damage he intended. “He exploded at the entrance before he could reach the front rows of the mosque because the Imambargah’s security system was fully active. So saying that security is weak is not correct. The institutions are working, and rest assured that the Islamabad administration has the full capability to provide citizens with a peaceful city.”
Regarding festivals, he said celebrations will continue in Pakistan. “This is exactly what the terrorists want—for Pakistan to come to a halt, for there to be no sports, no delegations visiting. We will not do what the terrorists want. Our spirits are high.”
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, meanwhile, strongly condemned the blast at the Imambargah in Tarlai, and expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.
In their separate messages, the president and the prime minister offered heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the elevation of ranks of those martyred in the incident. Shehbaz, while speaking with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, directed that the incident be thoroughly investigated and those responsible be identified and brought to justice immediately. He also instructed the health minister to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured and asked him to personally monitor the relief efforts.
He stressed that no one would be allowed to create chaos and unrest in the country.
Zardari said that targeting innocent people was a crime against humanity and reaffirmed that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the affected families in this hour of grief.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the cancellation of all of her Basant-related activities scheduled for today (Saturday), following the blast.
In a post on X, the Punjab chief minister said that the mega Basant show planned at the Liberty Square stands cancelled in the wake of the deadly suicide bombing inside an Imambargah in the Tarlai area of the federal capital.
“It is imperative that the nation remains united against the Khawarji [terrorists] menace and their ‘sympathisers’, shows them no mercy, and stands shoulder to shoulder with our Armed Forces in defence of the country,” CM Maryam stated.
The three-day Basant festival kicked off today in Lahore as Punjab formally lifted a more than two-decade ban, with authorities enforcing strict safety measures to prevent accidents linked to kite flying.
CM Maryam’s decision to cancel her planned Basant activities follows a similar move by the Sindh government, which called off the musical segment of the Cultural Night organised for the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the dinner in honour of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association will be held without music out of respect for the victims of the Islamabad blast.
Earlier, CM Maryam strongly condemned the suicide attack and expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of innocent worshippers.
The CM directed the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner to extend full cooperation to the Islamabad administration for the treatment of the injured and ordered that the best possible medical facilities be provided to the victims at government hospitals in Rawalpindi.
On the instructions of the chief minister, 25 ambulances were dispatched to Islamabad. Following her directives, all hospitals in Rawalpindi district were placed on high alert, while services of surgeons and other specialist doctors were also requisitioned.
According to the chief minister’s message on X, arrangements were made to ensure the availability of blood of relevant groups for the injured, and all available resources were mobilised for their treatment. She also instructed the commissioner and deputy commissioner to personally monitor the medical care of the injured.
Expressing solidarity with the families of the martyrs, Maryam said the pain of the Tralai bombing was deeply felt and assured that terrorists would not escape punishment under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram condemned the horrific suicide bombing, urging immediate provision of the best possible healthcare for the wounded.
In a statement issued by the PTI Central Media Department, he expressed deep grief over the blast, extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, and prayed for strength for the bereaved.
Akram called on all PTI workers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to immediately visit PIMS Hospital, Polyclinic Hospital and CDA Hospital to donate blood urgently needed for the victims.
“In this hour of crisis, our brothers and sisters affected by this terrorism need our support. It is our moral and religious duty to help those in need,” he stated. He emphasised that targeting a place of worship is an act of extreme brutality and a crime against humanity. “Such barbaric violence exposes the savagery of terrorists and their sinister agenda to sabotage peace, harmony, and stability in Pakistan,” he added.
The PTI spokesperson made clear that the party unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and demands that the perpetrators—along with their facilitators and masterminds—be swiftly identified and brought to justice.
He stressed that terrorism remains a grave threat to the nation, and its eradication requires unity and collective resolve. “The entire nation must stand together to defeat this menace and safeguard peace, tolerance, and stability across Pakistan,” he concluded.
Senior Shiite Ulema Council Pakistan chief Allama Syed Sajid Naqvi, meanwhile, expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of worshippers in the suicide blast.
Through the council’s spokesperson, Allama Sajid Naqvi conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and called for prayers for the swift recovery of the injured, alongside ensuring full medical assistance.
Allama Naqvi stated that the perpetrators aim to disrupt the country’s peace and order, urging national unity to thwart the conspiracies of anti-state elements.
He further demanded a thorough investigation into the attack to bring the facts to light, and insisted that those involved—including the attackers and their facilitators—be brought to justice and given the severest punishment.
Marriot hotel in a tweet said: “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.”
Worldwide condemnations poured in after a suicide bomber targeted the Imambargah.
UN spokesperson said the secretary general “condemns in the strongest terms” the attack in Islamabad.
The United States strongly condemned the terrorist attack, saying all acts of terror and violence are unacceptable.
The US Embassy in Islamabad in a statement said Charge d’Affaires Natalie A Baker expressed sincere condolences to those wounded and to the families of those killed in the bombing.
The embassy stated that violence against civilians and places of worship cannot be justified.
It reiterated that the US continues to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace and security and remains committed to the bilateral partnership aimed at promoting stability. The embassy added that Washington stands with Islamabad during this challenging moment.
Russician President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the terrorist attack.
UK High Commissioner in Pakistan Jane Marriott said she is “outraged and heartbroken” by the horrific attack at the Imambargah. She extends her thoughts and prayers to those killed and injured and to their families.
The British envoy termed such violence abhorrent and expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the wake of the tragedy.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and injuries caused by the explosion. It extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and conveyed sincere sympathies to their families, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The embassy emphasised China’s solidarity with Pakistan, stating that it stands firmly with its Pakistani brothers and sisters during this difficult time.
The Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, condemned and strongly denounced the terrorist bombing.
The ministry stressed the “Kingdom’s position rejecting the targeting of places of worship, the undermining of security, and the shedding of innocent blood, affirming the Kingdom’s solidarity with the sisterly Islamic Republic of Pakistan against all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism.”
The ministry offered condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the brotherly Pakistani government and people, with wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Islamabad, describing it as a hideous act.
He conveyed the condemnation on behalf of the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye said it condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms.
Ankara extended condolences to the families of those killed and to the people of Pakistan. It expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
European Union’s Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis expressed deep shock over the suicide attack in Islamabad, describing it as a heinous act. He said that the EU strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism.
Karoblis extended condolences to the families of the victims and the injured, emphasising solidarity with the people of Pakistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan also strongly condemned the suicide bombing.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson of Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, said that Kabul condemned such attacks that violate the sanctity of sacred rituals and mosques and target worshippers and innocent people.
Other nations also denounced the terrorist attack and showed solidarity with Pakistan.
The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan also condemned the heinous terrorist attack on Imambargah. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to all those injured,” it said in a post on ‘X’.
France, Norway, Spain, Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada and the Czech Republic also condemned the blast. They expressed solidarity with the families of the victim. They also expressed deep grief on the tragic deaths and prayed for early recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, in a post on ‘X’, expressed his gratitude to the countries that sympathized over the deadly blast.
“I am grateful for the strong messages of sympathy and support that we have received from across the globe, in the wake of today’s heart wrenching suicide attack in Islamabad. The support of our friends and partners has always remained critical in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice with full force and their nefarious designs will never be allowed to succeed.
“The brave Pakistani nation stands united at this time and we remain fully committed to our resolve to defeat terrorism,” he added.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the terrorist attack, saying that the targeting of unarmed worshippers inside a sacred place is an assault on humanity, faith, and the collective conscience of the nation. He said that no religion or ideology permits the killing of innocent people. He added that terrorism, in all its forms, is an assault on Pakistan’s unity and values.
He demanded immediate and transparent investigations into the incident, the arrest of the perpetrators and their facilitators, and urged the government ensure effective measures for the protection of places of worship across the country. He stressed that the nation must stand united against hatred, extremism, and terrorism. The PPP chairman also expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the citizens who were martyred in the suicide attack and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Meanwhile, a raid was conducted at the attacker’s house in Peshawar, during which his two brothers and a woman were arrested, police sources told Geo News.
Investigative sources said the suicide bomber’s ID was also recovered from the scene. Based on the ID card, the attacker has been identified as Yasir. Police have launched raids in Peshawar and Nowshera to identify and arrest the attacker’s possible network and facilitators.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Imambargah attack in Islamabad, according to the militant group’s channel on Telegram, Reuters reported.
