31 Martyred, Dozens Injured in Suicide Bombing at Islamabad Imambargah

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) —  At least 31 people were martyred and dozens injured in a deadly suicide bombing that struck an imambargah during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, officials confirmed on Friday.

According to police sources, the attack targeted Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra. The suicide bomber, reportedly linked to the outlawed terrorist network Fitna al-Khawarij, attempted to enter the religious site but was stopped by security guards at the main gate.

Eyewitnesses told RNN TV that the attacker opened fire on security personnel before running inside the premises and detonating himself amid congregational prayers. The powerful blast caused extensive damage to the imambargah and nearby residential buildings, shattering windows and injuring guards stationed at the entrance.

Security officials said the main gate is approximately 30 metres from the prayer hall. Despite resistance from guards, the attacker managed to advance nearly 20 metres inside before carrying out the explosion.

Following the attack, Pakistan Army troops and Rangers immediately cordoned off the area, while rescue teams shifted the injured and deceased to nearby hospitals. Due to the high number of casualties, hospitals in Islamabad faced immense pressure, prompting authorities to transfer several injured victims to medical facilities in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) confirmed that 18 bodies and over 78 injured were brought to the hospital. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital reported receiving four injured individuals, one of whom later succumbed to injuries.

An emergency has been imposed at PIMS, Polyclinic Hospital, and CDA Hospital, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said. Assistant commissioners have been deployed to hospitals to monitor treatment and ensure proper medical care.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal also declared a medical emergency across all federally administered hospitals in the capital. He announced the cancellation of leaves for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, assuring that all available resources are being utilised for the treatment of the injured.

Condemning the attack, the health minister termed the bombing a “heinous and inhuman act” and warned that any negligence in patient care would not be tolerated.

Condemnations and Condolences

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended condolences to the families of the martyrs, praying for patience and strength for the bereaved.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act of terrorism and reaffirming the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, termed the attack a direct assault on humanity and religious values, questioning the security arrangements in the federal capital.

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri, also condemned the attack and expressed heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Pakistan.

Security forces continue intelligence-based operations against terrorist elements, as authorities vow to bring the perpetrators and their facilitators to justice.