Daijiworld Media Network – Islamabad
Islamabad, Feb 6: At least 24 people were killed and dozens injured after a powerful explosion, suspected to be a suicide blast, ripped through a religious centre in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Friday.
According to local reports, the blast occurred at the Tarlai Imambargah, a Shiite mosque located in the Shehzad Town area of the federal capital. The attack took place during the two-day official visit of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, heightening security concerns in the city.
Police and rescue teams rushed to the site and launched relief operations. Pakistani daily Dawn reported that at least 80 people sustained injuries in the explosion. Hospital authorities declared an emergency as the injured were rushed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital for treatment.
Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of chaos, with worshippers and bystanders running in panic, while officials at the site attempted to manage the situation and assist the wounded.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too early to determine the exact nature of the blast, adding that forensic teams would investigate whether it was a suicide attack or a planted bomb.
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for those injured. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also denounced the incident, stating that such acts of terrorism would not weaken the nation’s resolve and called for unity, peace and solidarity with law enforcement agencies.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicion is likely to fall on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or Islamic State-linked groups, which have been blamed for previous attacks targeting Shiite worshippers, a minority community in the country.
The latest incident comes nearly a week after security forces clashed with Baloch separatists, killing around 216 militants. It also follows a suicide blast outside a district and sessions court in Islamabad in November 2025 that killed 12 people and injured 30 others.