Blast at Islamabad Imambargah; at least 31 dead, 169 injured

WEB DESK: A suicide bombing at an Imambargah in Islamabad’s Terlai area after Friday prayers left at least 31 people dead and more than 169 injured, according to the district administration.

Police said roads leading to Terlai were closed for traffic following the blast, while ambulances continued to shift the injured to various hospitals. At least five additional ambulances were dispatched to transport the wounded.

Attacker stopped at gate, damage partially averted

According to preliminary information, the suicide bomber was spotted and stopped at the gate of the imambargah, after which he detonated himself. Officials said the attempt to prevent the attacker from entering the premises helped avert an even greater loss of life.

Police sources said casualties were feared to be high, with cautious estimates putting the number of injured at over 50. Senior Superintendent of Police (CTD) Arsalan Shahzeb reached the site to oversee security and investigation efforts.

Emergency declared at hospitals

A spokesperson for the Islamabad district administration said an emergency was imposed at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital and CDA Hospital. Assistant commissioners were deployed at hospitals to monitor medical treatment.

Ministers visit hospitals, PM takes notice

On the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited PIMS to inquire after the injured. He directed hospital authorities to ensure the provision of special medical facilities and said the government was committed to providing all possible treatment to the victims.

Sources said the prime minister has taken notice of the incident, sought a report from the administration, and instructed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.

The blast site has been completely sealed as investigations continue.

Condemnations pour in

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the explosion at an Imambargah in Islamabad’s Terlai area, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives and extending condolences to the bereaved families. The prime minister prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience and strength for their relatives.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and directed him to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and the swift identification of those responsible. He also instructed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured, ordering the health minister to personally oversee medical arrangements. The prime minister said those behind the attack must be brought to justice and vowed that no one would be allowed to spread violence and unrest in the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the explosion in Islamabad’s Terlai area, expressing deep sorrow and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He directed authorities to ensure that all possible medical facilities are provided to the injured. The president said that targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity and reaffirmed that the entire nation stands in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.

Sessions court blast in 2025

Last year in November, twelve people died when a suicide blast occurred outside the district and sessions court in Islamabad’s G-11 leaving 36 injured. The explosion occurred at around 12:39pm as several high-profile events were underway in the capital, including the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference and the Margalla Dialogue. A Pakistan–Sri Lanka cricket match was also taking place in nearby Rawalpindi.

This is a developing story