ISLAMABAD: The death toll from a powerful blast that tore through an imambargah in Pakistan’s federal capital during Friday prayers has risen to 31, while 169 people were wounded, the district administration said.
The explosion struck Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in the Tarlai area of the federal capital, triggering a swift rescue and security response as police and emergency teams rushed to evacuate the injured and secure the site.
Images from the scene showed bloodied bodies lying on the carpeted prayer hall, surrounded by shattered glass and debris, as panicked worshippers scrambled to help the injured.
Dozens more wounded were seen lying in the garden outside the imambargah, with bystanders desperately calling for assistance as emergency teams arrived.
Rescue 1122 officials said victims were transported to nearby hospitals, warning that some of the wounded remained in critical condition.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said the suicide bomber was challenged by security guards, after which he opened fire and blew his suicide vest among worshippers standing in the last row.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep grief over the loss of lives and vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“The perpetrators of this cowardly attack must be identified and given exemplary punishment,” Sharif said, adding that no one would be allowed to spread chaos and instability in the country. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Sharif directed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to ensure a full investigation into the incident and ordered that the injured be provided the best possible medical care, instructing the health minister to personally oversee treatment.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesman Taqi Jawad said it was too early to determine the nature of the blast, adding that forensic teams were examining whether it was caused by a suicide bomber or an improvised explosive device.
The district administration said the area had been sealed off and additional officials deployed to hospitals to monitor medical treatment. Emergencies were declared at Polyclinic Hospital, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and CDA Hospital, with all major departments placed on high alert.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed deep sorrow over the attack, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for patience and strength.
“Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity,” the president said, adding that the nation stood firmly with the affected families in this difficult hour. He directed authorities to ensure that all injured victims receive every possible medical facility.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry described the bombing as a “cowardly act” and urged national unity and solidarity with law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.
Friday’s attack comes less than three months after a suicide bombing outside a district court in Islamabad’s G-11 sector in November last year killed 12 people and wounded dozens
Global reaction
The US Embassy in Islamabad strongly condemned the recent attack. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, noting that worshippers were killed and injured in the terrorist attack. She emphasised that the United States condemns all acts of terror and violence.
Baker extended condolences to the victims and their families, underscoring that attacks on civilians and places of worship are unacceptable. She affirmed that the people of Pakistan deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to practise their faith without fear.
The chargé d’affaires also reiterated the United States’ continued support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace, security, and stability, stating that the US stands with Pakistan in this difficult time.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also denounced the attack and reiterated the Kingdom’s firm stance against violence that targets places of worship, terrorizes civilians or sheds innocent blood, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry said Saudi Arabia stands in solidarity with Pakistan in efforts to confront all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism. It offered its condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Pakistan, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent letters of condolence to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the deadly terrorist attack in Islamabad.
In his message, Putin expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, describing the killing of people during a religious ceremony as further evidence of the barbaric and inhumane nature of terrorism.
He reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in combating terrorism and conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims, along with wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott expressed outrage and heartbreak over the attack at the Islamabad imambargah during Friday prayers. In a message posted on X, she said her thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured and their families, describing the violence as abhorrent and reaffirming that the UK stands with Pakistan.
Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane said he was shocked and saddened by the horrific attack at a mosque in Islamabad. He offered sympathies to the victims, their loved ones and all those affected, and said Australia stands and mourns with Pakistan.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam also condemned the bombing and conveyed condolences to the government and people of Pakistan, particularly bereaved families.
He described the incident as a terrorist attack targeting innocent civilians during Friday prayers and offered prayers for those killed and for the recovery of the injured.
The embassy of France, in its statement, condemned the deadly attack and expressed its resolve to stand with Pakistan in opposing all forms of terrorism.
