ISLAMABAD: At least 31 people were killed and another 169 injured when an explosion ripped through an imambargah during Friday prayers in the federal capital, said a district administration spokesperson.

The explosion occurred at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in the Tarlai area of the federal capital.

Images from the site showed bloodied bodies lying on the carpeted floor surrounded by shards of glass, debris, and panicked worshippers.

Dozens more wounded were lying in the garden outside the imambargah as people called for help.

Islamabad Capital Territory Police Spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too soon to ascertain the nature of the blast. However, he indicated that the signs pointed to a suicide bomber.

Taqi added that among those killed is a cousin of Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, while another relative is injured.

The district administration spokesperson said the site of the blast has been completely sealed off by security personnel, and added that assistant commissioners have been assigned to oversee the treatment of the injured at various hospitals.

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.

On the directives of the executive director Pims, an emergency has been enforced at the hospital, a spokesperson confirmed to Dawn.

The hospital administration has appealed to citizens to donate blood.

The main emergency, orthopaedic, burn centre, and neurology departments have been activated, he added. The injured are being shifted to Pims and Polyclinic Hospital.

The attack comes during the two-day official visit of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Ambulances dispatched to Islamabad

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a post on X, said the provincial government has dispatched 25 ambulances to Islamabad.

She added that all hospitals across Rawalpindi district have 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 commissioner and DC of Rawalpindi have also been instructed to extend every possible assistance.

Condemnations pour in

President Asif Ali Zardari extended condolences to the victims who lost their lives in the blast, according to a statement issued by the PPP on X.

He expressed grief over the incident, saying, “Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity”.

The president prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed that all possible medical facilities be provided to them.

In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast, AFP reported. He expressed “deep grief” and “strongly condemns” the blast.

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.”

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry strongly condemned the attack in a post on social media platform X, expressing grief over the loss of lives in the “cowardly act”.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.

“Such acts of terrorism cannot dampen the morale of the nation. The need of the hour is that we all stand united for peace, tolerance, and stability, and express solidarity with law enforcement agencies,” the minister stressed.

Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident.

“Such an incident of terrorism in the federal capital is not just a proof of the grave failure to protect human lives, but it also is a big question mark on the performance of the administration and law enforcement agencies,” he said in a post on X.

Abbas strongly condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

“Targeting places of worship is a direct attack on humanity, religion and social values, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.

He also appealed to the youth in Islamabad to donate blood at hospitals and “play their part in saving precious lives”.

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam condemned the incident in a post on X on behalf of the government and the people Iran.

“On behalf of the government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I strongly condemn the hideous and awkward terrorist attack in Islamabad during the Friday prayers which led to the martyrdom and injury of tens of innocent civilians.”

“I extend my sincere and deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families,” he said.

The envoy further stated that “our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and we pray for the safe and speedy recovery of the injured.”

Today’s incident comes less than three months after a suicide blast outside a district and sessions court building in Islamabad’s G-11 area on November 11, 2025. Twelve people were killed and more than 30 were injured in the blast.

This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.