Islamabad Imambargah Suicide Blast Leaves 31 Martyred, around 169 Injured

President, PM, Senate Opposition Leader Condemn Deadly Attack, Vow United Fight Against Terrorism 
PM Shehbaz Promises Perpetrators of Imambargah Suicide Blast Will Face Justice
Iran Ambassador Reza Amiri Denounces terrorist attack, Extends Sympathy to Pakistan

Hamid Khan Wazir 
ISLAMABAD: A deadly suicide attack at Islamabad’s Imambargah during Friday prayers left at least 31 martyred, including the cousin of IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, and around 169 others injured.

The explosion took place at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area. Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too early to confirm the exact nature of the blast, but signs pointed to a suicide bomber. He added that among the deceased was the cousin of Islamabad IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, while another relative sustained injuries.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said that an emergency has been imposed at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), Polyclinic Hospital and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) hospital.

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) administration said that at least 18 bodies were brought to the hospital, while more than 78 injured were also received.

Authorities at Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital said four injured were brought to the hospital, where one of them later died during treatment.
The district administration spokesperson said the site of the blast was completely sealed off by security personnel, and added that assistant commissioners were assigned to oversee the treatment of the injured at various hospitals.

Meanwhile, police and Rescue 1122 personnel reached the site of the incident and initiated rescue operations after the explosion. An emergency was also imposed at the federal capital’s Polyclinic, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), and CDA Hospital.
Emergency imposed in Islamabad hospitals

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal imposed an emergency across all federally administered government hospitals in the capital.
“Emergency services at PIMS and the Polyclinic are fully functional,” he said.

Kamal added that the leaves of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have been cancelled. “The government is utilising all available resources for the treatment of the injured,” he said.

Condemning the attack, the health minister termed the suicide bombing “highly deplorable” and said those targeting innocent civilians were “enemies of humanity”. He warned that negligence in the treatment of the injured would not be tolerated.
Security tightened in Rawalpindi

In view of the prevailing security situation, Rawalpindi police were placed on high-alert, according to a statement by the police spokesperson. “Security duties are being checked and [officials are being] briefed at imambargahs, mosques and other places across the city,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the police officials held meetings with the administrators and the guardians of the religious places and informed them about security standard operating procedures and the measures taken in this regard.

Condolences pour in

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and sorrow over the blast and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast and prayed for their patience.

President 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, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the bombing. He expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdoms in the blast and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families.

The Prime Minister, 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.

Separately, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, expressed deep grief over the blast and extended condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs, while praying for the early recovery of the injured.

He strongly condemned the “brutal and cowardly” attack and said that such a terrorist incident in the federal capital was not only a serious failure to protect human lives but also raised major questions over the performance of the administration.

The opposition leader said targeting places of worship was a direct assault on humanity, religion and social values and could not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the attack as a "cowardly and hateful act against humanity", while reaffirming the government's duty to protect its people. 

Acknowledging the pain of the affected families, Tarar vowed that "no one will be allowed to disrupt law and order or sectarian harmony" and that those responsible would be held strictly accountable.

He emphasised that the state remained fully committed to protecting the lives and property of the public, particularly at religious sites, through a rigorous "zero-tolerance policy" against extremist elements. The minister called for national unity, ensuring that all state resources were being mobilised to prevent further "mischief and unrest".

Meanwhile, Iran Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri, condemned the terrorist attack and extended "sincere and deepest condolences" to the government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the “cowardly suicide attack on innocent worshippers during Friday prayers at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad, killing dozens”.

“Targeting places of worship and civilians is a heinous crime against humanity and a blatant violation of Islamic principles,” he said.
Dar further said, “Pakistan stands united against terrorism in all its forms. This barbarity will not intimidate us and extremists will be brought to full account.”

Punjab Govt dispatches 25 ambulances to Islamabad

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a post on X, said the provincial government had dispatched 25 ambulances to Islamabad.
She added that all hospitals across Rawalpindi district had been placed on high alert with “surgical teams, anesthetists, orthopedic and neurosurgical specialists on standby”.

“Blood banks are fully staffed, and operation theatres are fully equipped to ensure prompt and effective medical care for the injured.” Maryam added that the commissioner and deputy commissioner of Rawalpindi were also instructed to extend every possible assistance.
The attack comes as Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is currently visiting Pakistan.
President, PM condemn blast

Today’s incident comes less than three months after a suicide blast outside the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad’s G-11 area on November 11, 2025, which killed 12 people and injured more than 30.

Credit: The Global Times