ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (ABC): At least 31 worshippers were martyred and 169 others injured when a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside an imambargah during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, officials confirmed on Friday. The attack targeted Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra and caused heavy casualties among congregants.
Witnesses said the attacker tried to enter the premises during prayers but security guards challenged him at the main gate. The suspect opened fire and then ran nearly 20 metres inside the compound before blowing himself up near the last rows of worshippers.
Blood-stained carpets, shattered glass and scattered debris marked the site as panicked worshippers rushed the injured outside and called for help.
Immediate rescue and emergency response
Rescue teams, police and security forces reached the site within minutes. Authorities shifted bodies and the wounded to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Hospital.
Hospital administrations declared emergencies and cancelled the leaves of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.
PIMS officials confirmed receiving at least 18 bodies and more than 78 injured. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital treated four injured, where one later succumbed to injuries. Punjab also dispatched 25 ambulances to support rescue efforts.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said emergency services were fully operational and directed hospitals to utilise all available resources. He warned that negligence in treatment would not be tolerated.
Security forces seal area, probe begins
Law enforcement agencies, including Pakistan Army troops and Rangers, cordoned off the area and launched a full-scale investigation. Police collected forensic evidence from the scene.
According to police sources, the attack appeared linked to militants associated with “Fitna al-Khawarij,” though no group immediately claimed responsibility.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad confirmed that a relative of the Islamabad Inspector General of Police was among the martyrs.
Suspect’s travel history under scrutiny
Officials said authorities identified the suicide bomber through forensic analysis. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated that the attacker was not an Afghan national but had travelled to Afghanistan multiple times.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said preliminary investigations suggested possible cross-border links. He alleged that hostile elements were using proxies to destabilise Pakistan and vowed a strong state response.
“The state will respond to this brutality with full force,” he said.
Leadership condemns attack
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He termed the targeting of worshippers a crime against humanity and assured the nation’s solidarity with affected families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the bombing and directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. He instructed the health minister to personally oversee medical treatment for the injured and ensure immediate relief.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the attack as a blatant violation of Islamic principles and said Pakistan would not allow terrorists to spread fear.
Opposition leaders, federal ministers and foreign diplomats, including Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, also condemned the blast. The United States, the United Kingdom and several other countries expressed solidarity with Pakistan.
Rising security concerns
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of religious gatherings in the federal capital. Security has been tightened at mosques and imambargahs across Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Police have increased patrols and reviewed standard operating procedures to prevent further incidents.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing and those responsible will be brought to justice.