ISLAMABAD: A devastating suicide bombing inside a mosque and imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area during Friday prayers has left at least 31 people dead and more than 169 injured, officials confirmed.
According to police, the explosion occurred during the second unit of prayer, while worshippers were in prostration, shattering windows of nearby buildings due to the blast’s intensity.
The attacker, identified as a member of Fitna al-Khawarij, attempted to enter the mosque but detonated himself at the main entrance after being stopped, resulting in massive casualties. Police and bomb disposal squads, along with rescue teams, arrived immediately at the scene.
Hospital Response and Casualties
Hospital authorities reported that more than 100 injured were admitted to different medical facilities:
PIMS Hospital: 60 patients
Polyclinic: 13 patients
Federal General Hospital: 27 patients
Benazir Hospital: 2 patients
Due to limited capacity at PIMS, many injured were transferred to hospitals across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Eyewitness Account
Sources confirmed the attack took place during Friday prayer’s second unit, while worshippers were in sujood (prostration). The attacker initially opened fire, exchanged shots with security personnel, and ultimately detonated himself at the mosque entrance.
The Inspector General of Islamabad disclosed that his cousin’s son was also among the victims, who was praying in the three-story building at the time.
Government Reaction
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Tarlai attack, expressing grief over the loss of lives and praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and directed an immediate investigation to identify and hold the responsible parties accountable.
He emphasized that those behind the attack must face strict punishment, warning that no one would be allowed to spread violence or insecurity in the country.
The Prime Minister also instructed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured and tasked the Health Minister with overseeing the situation.