Multiple casualties feared as blast hits Islamabad imambargah

Police, rescue teams have been dispatched to the scene

ISLAMABAD:

A powerful explosion at an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai area triggered panic in the locality, with authorities declaring an emergency across the federal capital and placing security agencies on high alert.The blast was heard over a considerable distance, causing fear and confusion among residents. Police, Rescue 1122, fire brigade and other emergency teams reached the site shortly after the incident and launched relief operations.

The death toll from the explosion in the federal capital has risen to 15, according to a spokesperson for the District Administration. The spokesperson further confirmed that the number of patients brought to various hospitals across the city has now exceeded 80. However, a spokesperson from PIMS hospital clarified that 32 of those injured were brought specifically to their facility.

In response to the crisis, an emergency has been imposed at PIMS, Polyclinic, and CDA hospitals, where Assistant Commissioners have been deployed to monitor the medical care and treatment of the victims.

The blast site has been completely sealed to allow the Bomb Disposal Squad and forensic teams to collect evidence, while IG Islamabad has placed the federal capital on high alert. Security forces, including police and rescue teams, have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, with additional personnel stationed at sensitive locations and city entry points.

Authorities are investigating the cause and nature of the explosion and have issued a public appeal to avoid spreading rumors and to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the situation remains under close monitoring.

Preliminary reports suggest a possible suicide bombing, though officials have yet to confirm the motive.

The Islamabad blast comes amid a spate of recent attacks across Pakistan, including multiple deadly incidents in Balochistan targeting security forces and civilians. On November 11 there was another attack outside Islamabad Court, which killed at least 12 people and injured more than 36 others. In that attack, a suicide attacker attempted to enter court premises but detonated explosives near a police vehicle after being intercepted, causing widespread panic and damage to vehicles nearby.

Authorities have reported coordinated militant operations in the province, prompting large-scale counter-terrorism responses and heightened security measures nationwide.

Investigations are underway into both incidents as security measures across the capital remain heightened.

Scenes in videos show heavy injuries; no casualties have been confirmed. Emergencies have been declared at Polyclinic, PIMS, and CDA hospitals in the federal capital following a blast at an Imam Bargah in Islamabad.

A spokesperson for PIMS said the emergency was declared on the instructions of the hospital’s Executive Director. The injured are being transferred to PIMS and Polyclinic for treatment.

On the instructions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry visited PIMS Hospital. Chaudhry met with patients receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the blast. He directed that special medical facilities be provided for the blast victims and stated that the government is committed to ensuring all possible medical support for the injured.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, head of Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen, have issued strong condemnations regarding the attack. Prime Minister Sharif, after a briefing with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, asserting that the government will not permit "mischief and unrest" to take root in the country. He further directed the Health Minister to personally oversee the medical care for the injured, ensuring they receive the best possible facilities.

Parallelly, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas expressed grief over the "martyrdom of innocent worshippers," characterizing the incident as a direct assault on humanity and a serious failure of the administration to protect its citizens. He raised sharp questions regarding the performance of law enforcement agencies in the federal capital and made an urgent humanitarian appeal to the youth of Islamabad to visit hospitals for blood donations to save those in critical condition. 

This is a developing story