ISLAMABAD – A powerful explosion tore through an Imam Bargah in Pakistan’s capital on Friday, sending shockwaves through the Tarlai area of Shahzad Town. Local reports indicate multiple casualties, with emergency services rushing to the scene amid heightened security concerns.
The blast targeted a prominent Shia religious site, drawing immediate condemnation and fears of sectarian violence. Eyewitnesses described a deafening boom followed by thick smoke billowing from the structure. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the entire neighborhood, deploying elite units to secure the perimeter and initiate rescue operations.
Hospitals across Islamabad activated emergency protocols in response. Polyclinic, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and CDA Hospital declared full-scale emergencies. At PIMS, the executive director ordered activation of key departments including orthopedics, burn center, and neurology to handle the influx of injured victims.
Reports from district administration confirm at least 10 wounded individuals transported to PIMS, with others distributed to nearby facilities. Rescue teams combed through debris under tight security, as authorities sealed off surrounding areas to facilitate investigations and prevent further incidents.
This attack unfolds just months after a deadly suicide bombing outside a district court in G-11 on November 11, 2025, which claimed 12 lives and injured over 30. The timing raises troubling questions, especially as Pakistan’s military touted recent successes against militants, claiming to have eliminated 216 terrorists in ongoing operations.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had announced these victories only a day prior, underscoring the persistent threat posed by armed groups. As the nation grapples with this fresh outrage, officials urge calm while vowing a thorough probe to bring perpetrators to justice. The incident highlights the fragile security landscape in the heart of the capital, where religious sites remain prime targets for extremists.