Suicide Blast in Islamabad Mosque Kills 35, Injures Over 169
Islamabad: At least 35 people have been killed and more than 169 injured after a suicide bombing inside a mosque and Imam Bargah in the outskirts of Islamabad.
According to police, the attack occurred at the Khadija-tul-Kubra Mosque in the Tarlai area during Friday prayers. The blast was reportedly so powerful that it shattered windows of nearby buildings and could be heard from a considerable distance.
Responding swiftly, police, rescue teams, and a bomb disposal squad reached the scene immediately after the explosion. Authorities stated that the suicide attacker, affiliated with Fitna-e-Khawarij, detonated explosives after being stopped from entering the mosque, causing heavy casualties.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad confirmed that 35 people have died and over 169 have been injured. Following the attack, hospitals in the federal capital were placed on emergency alert.
Hospital sources reported that more than 100 injured have been admitted: 60 at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), 19 at Polyclinic Hospital, 27 at Federal General Hospital, and 2 at Benazir Hospital. Due to capacity limits at PIMS, several patients are being transferred to other hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Eyewitnesses said the blast occurred during the second unit (rakat) of prayers, while worshippers were in prostration. According to sources, the attacker first opened fire, engaged in an exchange with security personnel, and ultimately detonated explosives at the main entrance.
Islamabad IG told to media that his cousin’s son was among the victims, who was present in the mosque’s three-story building for prayers.
Prime Minister Condemns Attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Tarlai bombing, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. He met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, instructing an immediate investigation to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The Prime Minister emphasized that those responsible must be brought to justice and stated that no one will be allowed to spread chaos and insecurity in the country. He directed that the injured be provided with the best medical care and tasked the Health Minister with overseeing their treatment.
