ISLAMABAD: At least 15 people were killed and more than 80 injured in a suicide bombing at the gate of an Imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area on Thursday. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, officials said.
The powerful blast shattered window panes of nearby houses, while the body of the suicide attacker remains inside the Imambargah, according to initial police reports.
Police, rescue services, Rangers, and Pakistan Army personnel reached the scene shortly after the incident. Following the attack, the Inspector General of Islamabad declared an emergency across the federal capital.
An emergency was imposed at Polyclinic Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and CDA Hospital, and leave of hospital staff was cancelled to ensure uninterrupted medical care.
Police sources said the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) is investigating the nature of the explosion, while the blast site has been completely sealed.
The injured were shifted to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals, where main emergency units, orthopaedic wards, burn centres, and neurology departments have been activated. According to the Islamabad district administration, 23 injured were shifted to PIMS and 11 to Polyclinic, while others were taken to different hospitals. Assistant commissioners have been deployed at hospitals to supervise treatment.
Officials said several patients brought to hospitals are in critical condition.
On the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited PIMS to inquire after the injured and directed authorities to ensure special medical facilities for victims. He said the government is committed to providing all possible medical assistance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives, and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families.
The prime minister directed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are identified and punished without delay. He also instructed the health authorities to personally monitor the treatment of the injured.
Meanwhile, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas condemned the attack, calling the bombing at Masjid Khadija-tul-Kubra a tragic act that reflects a serious failure in ensuring the safety of worshippers in the federal capital.
