ISLAMABAD – A devastating suicide bombing ripped through an Imam Bargah in Pakistan’s capital during Friday prayers, claiming at least 15 lives and injuring over 80 others. The attack in the Tarlai area sent shockwaves across the city, plunging the neighborhood into chaos as emergency services rushed to the scene.
District administration officials confirmed the death toll has risen to 15, with more than 80 wounded individuals transported to hospitals throughout Islamabad. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) alone received 32 victims, many in critical condition. The blast’s thunderous roar echoed for miles, prompting a swift security lockdown of the site where investigators are meticulously gathering evidence.
Preliminary reports point to a suicide bomber who was intercepted at the mosque’s entrance before detonating the explosives. While officials have yet to issue an official confirmation, the nature of the attack aligns with recent patterns of militancy plaguing the region. This incident unfolds amid heightened tensions, as Baloch insurgents escalate operations against Pakistani forces under ‘Operation Herof-2’.
Just weeks ago, Balochistan saw coordinated strikes by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), who claimed control over military camps in Nushki and Gulantur areas. Their broader campaign, launched on January 31, has targeted multiple cities including Quetta, resulting in numerous military casualties. Local voices accuse security forces of endangering civilians by operating in populated zones, amplifying fears of collateral damage.
The timing is particularly sensitive, coinciding with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Pakistan. Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in violence across the country, underscoring the fragile security landscape. As forensics teams analyze the wreckage, questions loom over the perpetrators and the broader implications for national stability. Authorities urge calm while bolstering defenses in vulnerable areas.