At least 69 people were killed and 169 others injured after a suicide bomber detonated explosives at Tarlai Imambargah, a Shia shrine in Islamabad’s Shehzad Town, on Friday afternoon.
According to Pakistani media reports, the attacker was stopped by vigilant guards at the entrance, preventing him from entering the main hall where worshippers had gathered. Despite this, the explosion caused significant damage to the gate, shattered windows of nearby buildings, and left debris scattered across the street. Video footage from the site showed multiple casualties, some with severe injuries, as rescue teams rushed to assist.
The Islamabad Inspector General of Police immediately declared a city-wide emergency, mobilizing law enforcement and medical personnel. The injured were transported to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital for urgent treatment. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine if it involved a larger network.
This tragic blast comes less than three months after a similar suicide attack outside Islamabad’s district and sessions court in November 2025, which killed 12 people and injured over 30.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, expressing “deep grief” over the loss of lives. His statement highlighted the need for heightened security measures at places of worship to prevent such incidents in the future.
Security agencies are continuing investigations to identify the perpetrators and assess whether additional threats remain in the city. Local authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant while emergency response teams work to clear debris and provide medical aid.
The attack underscores ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, particularly targeting religious sites, and has prompted widespread concern both domestically and internationally.
