Deadly Bombing at Islamabad Imambargah Kills 31, Injures 169

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: At least 31 worshippers were killed and 169 others injured on Friday when a powerful explosion ripped through an imambargah in the Tarlai area on the outskirts of the federal capital, police and administration officials confirmed.

The blast occurred during Friday prayers at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra, triggering panic among worshippers and nearby residents. The force of the explosion was reportedly heard hundreds of meters away. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said several of the injured were in critical condition.

Preliminary information suggests the possibility of a suicide bombing. Two police officials told Reuters that the attacker was intercepted at the gate of the imambargah before detonating the device. Administration officials, however, cautioned that it was too early to draw conclusions about the nature of the blast.

Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of devastation inside the imambargah, with worshippers lying dead or injured amid debris and shattered glass. Additional casualties were seen on the lawns outside as survivors called for help.

Emergency response teams, including police, Rescue 1122, and the fire brigade, rushed to the site and launched rescue and relief operations. The injured were shifted to major hospitals in the capital, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital, and Capital Development Authority hospitals, where a state of emergency was declared.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, officials noted that similar incidents in the past have been carried out by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Some police sources attributed the attack to “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a term used by Pakistani authorities for the TTP and its allied groups.

The blast site has been sealed to facilitate evidence collection by the Bomb Disposal Squad and forensic teams. Islamabad Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi placed the city on high alert, with heightened security measures across the capital. Additional police and security personnel were deployed at sensitive locations and entry and exit points.

In a statement, the Islamabad police spokesperson said security had been significantly tightened at mosques and imambargahs across the city. Authorities ordered the immediate removal of encroachments around religious sites to ensure clear perimeters and reduce risks. Strict blockades were established at city entry and exit points, while additional personnel were deployed to protect places of worship of the Christian community in Rawalpindi Cantonment.

City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani directed all superintendents and sub-divisional police officers to remain in sensitive areas to personally oversee security arrangements. Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence were placed on high alert, while the Safe City Control Room initiated round-the-clock monitoring.

Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately via the Rescue 15 helpline. Authorities also appealed to the public to avoid spreading rumors and to cooperate fully with law enforcement as investigations continue.

On the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited PIMS Hospital to inquire after the injured. He directed hospital authorities to provide special medical facilities to the victims and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring all possible medical support.

The Islamabad bombing comes amid a recent surge in militant violence across Pakistan, including deadly attacks in Balochistan targeting security forces and civilians. A day earlier, the Inter-Services Public Relations announced the conclusion of “Operation Raddul-Fitna-1” in Balochistan, stating that 216 terrorists were killed in intelligence-based operations.

In November, a suicide attack near the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad’s G-11 sector killed at least 12 people and injured more than 36 others, underscoring persistent security challenges in the capital.