Pakistan Blast: At least 31 killed, 169 injured in suicide attack at Islamabad mosque

 Pakistan Blast: A suicide bomb blast outside a Shia mosque in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, during Friday prayers, shook the entire city. The explosion at the Imam Bargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in the Taralai area caused chaos and panic. According to PTI, at least 31 people have died in the blast so far, while more than 169 people are reported injured. At the time of the explosion, a large number of people were present in the mosque for prayers, raising fears of a high number of casualties. An emergency was declared in Islamabad immediately after the blast. Police, rescue, and forensic teams arrived at the scene, and the entire area was sealed off as an investigation began.

Friday prayers, explosion and terror

According to police officials, it is not yet clear whether the explosion was a suicide attack or carried out in some other way. The situation will become clearer after the forensic investigation.

What is an Imam Bargah?

An Imam Bargah (also known as Imam Bara, Hussainiya, or Ashurkhana) is a dedicated assembly hall used by Shia Muslims, primarily for commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, especially during the holy month of Muharram. An Imam Bargah is distinct from a mosque. It serves as a center for mourning, majlis (religious sermons), and other religious gatherings, rather than for daily congregational prayers.

The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, calling it an act against humanity. He termed it a "crime against humanity" and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Summary

It is worth noting that a similar blast occurred on November 11, 2025, outside the District and Sessions Court complex in the G-11 area of Islamabad, killing 12 people and injuring more than 30.