- Deadly Mosque blast in Islamabad raises serious questions over Capital’s Security
ISLAMABAD — At least 15 people were killed and more than 80 injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a Shia imambargah in Pakistan’s federal capital on Friday, triggering widespread panic and raising serious questions about security in one of the country’s most heavily guarded cities.
The blast occurred at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra (also known as Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque) in the Tarlai Kalan area of southeastern Islamabad during Friday prayers. The explosion was heard over a considerable distance, sending shockwaves through the surrounding locality as worshippers fled the scene in fear.
Police, Rescue 1122, fire brigade units, and other emergency responders rushed to the site and launched rescue and relief operations. According to the district administration, the death toll has risen to 15, while over 80 injured individuals were shifted to hospitals across the capital. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) confirmed that at least 32 injured victims were brought to their facility alone.
In response to the incident, emergencies were declared at PIMS, Polyclinic Hospital, and CDA Hospital, with all major departments — including emergency, orthopaedics, burn units, and neurology — placed on high alert. Assistant commissioners were deployed to hospitals to oversee medical treatment and coordinate relief efforts.
The blast site was completely sealed off, and bomb disposal and forensic teams were deployed to collect evidence. Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson said it was too early to determine the exact nature of the explosion, adding that investigations would establish whether it was a suicide bombing or an improvised explosive device planted at the site. Preliminary reports, however, suggest a possible suicide attack.
Inspector General of Police Islamabad placed the capital on high alert, with additional security personnel deployed at sensitive locations, entry and exit points, and major installations. Authorities also urged the public to avoid spreading rumours and to cooperate with law enforcement as investigations continue.
The attack occurred during the two-day official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, further intensifying concerns over security lapses at a time of heightened diplomatic activity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after receiving a briefing from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, strongly condemned the attack and ordered an immediate, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to bring those responsible to justice. He directed the health minister to personally supervise the treatment of the injured and ensure the provision of all necessary medical facilities.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited PIMS Hospital on the instructions of the interior minister, met the injured, and instructed hospital authorities to provide special medical care, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the victims.
Senate Opposition Leader and head of Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, calling the incident a “grave failure of the administration and law enforcement agencies” in the federal capital.
“Targeting places of worship is a direct attack on humanity, religion, and social values, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said, while appealing to Islamabad’s youth to donate blood to help save critically injured victims.
The latest attack comes less than three months after a suicide bombing outside the Islamabad District and Sessions Court in the G-11 area on November 11, 2025, which killed at least 12 people and injured more than 30 others. That attacker detonated explosives near a police vehicle after being intercepted, causing widespread damage and panic.
Friday’s blast also follows a series of deadly militant attacks across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, targeting both security forces and civilians, prompting nationwide counter-terrorism operations and heightened security measures.
Investigations into the Islamabad imambargah blast are ongoing as security remains tightened across the capital.
This is a developing story.
