A devastating suicide bombing struck a mosque and imambargah in Islamabad’s suburban area of Tarlai during Friday prayers, killing at least 33 worshippers and injuring more than 150 others, in one of the deadliest terror attacks the federal capital has witnessed in recent years. The attack has sent shockwaves across the country, triggering widespread condemnation, emergency medical responses, and an intensified security crackdown.
The explosion occurred at Khadijat-ul-Kubra Mosque and Imambargah while hundreds of people were gathered for congregational prayers. According to police officials, the blast was so powerful that it was heard from a considerable distance, shattering windowpanes of nearby buildings and plunging the area into chaos. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and devastation as debris scattered across the prayer hall and surrounding premises.
Attack Unfolds During Friday Prayers
Sources and eyewitnesses reported that the suicide blast took place during the second rak’ah of the Friday prayer, at the moment when worshippers were in prostration. Initial investigations suggest that the attacker attempted to enter the mosque but was stopped at the main entrance by security personnel. Following an exchange of gunfire, the assailant detonated himself near the central gate, causing massive casualties among those inside.
Police later identified the attacker as a member of Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by authorities for militant groups involved in terrorist activities. Bomb disposal squads, police units, and rescue teams rushed to the scene immediately after the explosion, cordoning off the area and shifting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Hospitals Overwhelmed as Emergency Declared
Following the attack, a medical emergency was imposed in hospitals across Islamabad. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the death toll initially stood at 32, with more than 150 people injured. Later, hospital officials confirmed that another critically wounded victim succumbed to injuries at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), raising the number of martyrs to 33.
According to hospital sources, over 149 cases were brought to PIMS alone, including 28 bodies and 121 injured individuals. Due to limited capacity, several injured patients were shifted to other hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. PIMS officials stated that 20 injured remain in critical condition, with nine admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Treatment is ongoing in multiple surgical wards, while Polyclinic Hospital continues to treat at least 13 injured victims.
Personal Loss and Official Grief
Inspector General of Islamabad Police revealed that the tragedy struck close to home, as his cousin’s son was among those martyred in the blast. The victim was reportedly offering prayers inside the three-storey building at the time of the explosion. The disclosure highlighted the indiscriminate nature of the attack, which spared neither officials nor ordinary citizens.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the suicide bombing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives and extending condolences to the bereaved families. He prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and held an emergency meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, directing authorities to ensure a transparent and immediate investigation.
Government Orders Swift Action Against Perpetrators
The Prime Minister instructed law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible and bring them to justice without delay. Emphasizing that terrorism and chaos would not be tolerated, he reaffirmed the government’s resolve to maintain peace and stability in the country. He also directed the Health Minister to personally oversee medical arrangements and ensure the best possible treatment for the wounded.
Security across the capital was tightened following the incident, with additional checkpoints established at sensitive locations. Surveillance and intelligence operations were intensified amid fears of further threats.
Investigation Reveals Cross-Border Links
Significant progress has been made in the investigation, according to police sources. Acting on information obtained from the crime scene, authorities recovered the suicide bomber’s national identity card, leading to his identification as Yasir. The card listed his permanent address as Abbas Colony near Shiro Jangi, Charsadda Road, Peshawar, while his current residence was noted as Ganj Mohalla Qazian, Peshawar.
Police conducted raids at the attacker’s residence in Peshawar, arresting his two brothers, brother-in-law, and a woman as part of the probe. Investigators disclosed that the attacker had reportedly stayed in Afghanistan for five months, where he received training in weapons handling and suicide bombing techniques.
Raids have also been launched in Peshawar and Nowshera to dismantle the suspected network and apprehend facilitators linked to the attack. Officials stated that multiple aspects of the incident are under investigation, including communication records and financial support channels.
Nation Mourns, Security Review Underway
As funeral prayers for the martyrs continue and families mourn their loved ones, the attack has reignited concerns about militant violence targeting places of worship. Authorities remain hopeful that further evidence will emerge, shedding more light on the planning and execution of the attack, and helping prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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