A suicide bomber detonated powerful explosives inside the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah, a Shiite place of worship in the Tarlai Kalan area on the southeastern outskirts of Pakistan’s capital, slaughtering at least 31 people and wounding nearly 170 more.
The attacker approached the mosque gates shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time, just as hundreds gathered for Friday prayers.
Guards challenged him and stopped his advance, but he opened fire before detonating his device among worshippers in the last rows.
The blast shattered glass, scattered debris across the carpeted prayer hall, and left bloodied bodies and injured victims sprawled on the floors and lawns outside.
Panicked survivors rushed to help the wounded while emergency crews raced to the scene.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon confirmed the toll: “A total of 31 people have lost their lives.
The number of wounded brought to hospitals has risen to 169.”
Officials warned that figures could climb as more victims reach medical facilities and authorities review the full impact.
Police swiftly cordoned off the area, launched an investigation, and described the incident as a clear suicide attack.
No group claimed responsibility immediately, but the targeting of a Shiite congregation fits a grim pattern of sectarian violence against Pakistan’s minority Shiite community, who face repeated assaults from Sunni extremist militants.
This assault marks the deadliest suicide bombing in Islamabad in more than a decade, surpassing a November 2025 court bombing that killed 12.
It highlights a troubling resurgence of militant activity even in the heavily secured capital, far from traditional hotspots near the Afghan border.
Pakistani leaders condemned the violence.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif revealed the bomber had previously traveled to Afghanistan, raising questions about cross-border links.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to hunt down those responsible and deliver justice. Eyewitnesses described sheer horror.
One worshipper recounted an “extremely powerful” explosion that erupted right after prayers began, turning a sacred space into chaos.
Rescue teams worked frantically to evacuate the injured to hospitals like PIMS and Polyclinic, where staff declared emergencies and appealed for blood donations.
Communities across Pakistan and beyond expressed outrage and solidarity.
Many called for unity against extremism, stressing that attacks on any faith group wound the entire nation.
As night fell, families mourned loved ones, hospitals treated the critically injured, and the country grappled with yet another blow to its fragile peace.
Authorities continue their probe, determined to uncover the network behind this tragedy and prevent future bloodshed. For now, grief unites a shocked capital.
