Deadly Blast at Shia Mosque in Islamabad During Friday Prayers; Dozens Killed and Injured
A devastating explosion ripped through a Shia mosque (Imambargah) in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, during Friday prayers, leaving a trail of death and destruction. The powerful blast at the Terlai Imambargah in the Shehzad Town area has killed at least 15 worshippers and injured more than 80 others, many critically, according to officials and local media reports.
The attack, which occurred around midday when the mosque was packed for weekly congregational prayers, marks one of the deadliest incidents in the capital in recent months, highlighting the persistent threat of sectarian violence and militancy in Pakistan.
Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Operations
Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they found the mosque’s entrance and surrounding area severely damaged by the force of the explosion. Rescue teams worked urgently to evacuate casualties amid scattered debris.
Hospitals on High Alert: Major hospitals, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), declared emergencies to treat the influx of injured, many suffering from severe burns and shrapnel wounds.
City-Wide Security Emergency: Islamabad’s police chief declared a city-wide emergency, ordering heightened security at all sensitive locations, including other religious sites.
Investigation and Suspected Perpetrators
Authorities have not yet confirmed the precise nature of the blast, but preliminary reports suggest it may have been caused by a suicide bomber or an improvised explosive device (IED). While no group has immediately claimed responsibility, suspicion has fallen on militant organizations with a history of sectarian violence, such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, which have repeatedly targeted Shia communities in the past.
Forensic teams and bomb disposal squads are examining the site to determine the exact type of explosive used.
Context: A History of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan
This attack is the latest in a long series of sectarian assaults on Pakistan’s Shia Muslim minority. Similar deadly attacks on mosques, religious processions, and community gatherings have occurred with tragic frequency across the country, including:
A November 2024 ambush on a Shia convoy in Kurram District that killed dozens.
Previous suicide bombings in Islamabad, including an attack on a district court complex in late 2025.
These incidents underscore the vulnerability of religious minorities and the ongoing challenge of curbing militant extremism in Pakistan.
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Government Response and Community Impact
The government has condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security has been intensified nationwide, with a particular focus on protecting religious sites.
The blast has sent shockwaves through the Shia community and the nation, devastating a place considered a sanctuary. The timing—during the sacred Friday prayers—has amplified the grief and outrage.
As the investigation continues, the attack serves as a grim reminder of the deadly intersection of terrorism and sectarian hatred that Pakistan continues to confront. The coming days will be critical for both providing aid to the victims and pursuing those responsible for this heinous act.
