Islamabad experienced a deadly attack on Friday when a suicide bomber struck the Khadijatul Kubra Imambargah in the Tarlai area during Friday prayers. Local journalists reported at least 50 people dead and more than 169 injured. Authorities confirmed it was a suicide attack after initial investigations.
The imambargah, a Shia Muslim place of mourning, was crowded as worshippers gathered to commemorate the Karbala tragedy. Videos from the scene showed bloodied bodies, debris, and shattered glass while families searched desperately for their loved ones.
Emergency services, including police, Rescue 1122 teams, army personnel, and Rangers, responded quickly. Injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and the Polyclinic, where emergencies were declared. Hospitals in Rawalpindi were also placed on high alert, with surgical and trauma teams on standby.
Authorities described the attack as part of a pattern targeting soft civilian targets, including mosques, imambargahs, schools, and markets, often under the pretext of religion or regional differences. Chaudhry confirmed that a relative of Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police was among the victims.
In response to the incident, Rawalpindi police were placed on high alert and security procedures at religious sites were reviewed. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz dispatched 25 ambulances to Islamabad and cancelled all Basant festival events, including the mega show at Liberty Square. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon also announced the cancellation of the musical portion of a cultural event in respect for the victims.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, offering condolences to the victims and directing authorities to ensure medical care for the injured and swiftly investigate the incident. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also denounced the attack as cowardly and inhumane, reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.
This attack comes less than three months after a suicide blast outside the Islamabad district and sessions court in November 2025, which killed twelve people. Authorities are continuing investigations into the Tarlai imambargah attack while maintaining heightened security across the capital.
