Islamabad, February 6, 2026: At least 31 people were killed and 169 others injured when a powerful explosion tore through an imambargah during Friday prayers in the federal capital, a district administration spokesperson confirmed.
The blast occurred at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood and triggering panic among worshippers gathered for congregational prayers.
Images from the scene showed blood-stained carpets, shattered glass, and debris scattered across the prayer hall, while distressed survivors searched for loved ones. Dozens of injured individuals were seen lying in the garden outside the imambargah as bystanders urgently called for medical assistance.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too early to determine the exact nature of the explosion but noted that initial evidence suggested the possibility of a suicide attack.
Security forces swiftly sealed off the area, while assistant commissioners were assigned to supervise medical treatment for the injured at various hospitals. Police and Rescue 1122 teams reached the site shortly after the explosion and launched rescue operations.
An emergency was declared at major hospitals across the capital, including the Polyclinic Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and CDA Hospital. A PIMS spokesperson confirmed that the hospital activated its main emergency, orthopaedic, burn centre, and neurology departments to handle the influx of casualties. The injured were transported primarily to PIMS and Polyclinic for treatment.
The attack comes at a sensitive time, coinciding with the two-day official visit of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan.
Condemnations pour in
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families in a statement issued by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on X.
“Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity,” the president said, directing authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical care to the injured while praying for their swift recovery.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the blast, expressing “deep grief” over the tragedy, according to AFP.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry denounced the attack as a “cowardly act” and emphasized the need for national unity.
“Such acts of terrorism cannot dampen the morale of the nation. The need of the hour is for all of us to stand united for peace, tolerance, and stability, and to express solidarity with law enforcement agencies,” he said in a post on X.
Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas described the incident as a grave failure to safeguard human lives and raised serious concerns about the performance of the administration and law enforcement agencies.
“Targeting places of worship is a direct attack on humanity, religion, and social values, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he stated, urging Islamabad’s youth to donate blood and assist hospitals in saving lives.
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam also condemned the attack on behalf of the Iranian government and people.
“I strongly condemn the hideous terrorist attack in Islamabad during Friday prayers, which led to the martyrdom and injury of tens of innocent civilians,” the envoy said, extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Recent security concerns
Friday’s tragedy comes less than three months after a suicide bombing outside a district and sessions court in Islamabad’s G-11 area on November 11, 2025, which killed 12 people and injured more than 30 others. The recurrence of such attacks has raised fresh concerns about security in the federal capital.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the latest blast, while security across Islamabad has been heightened to prevent further incidents.
