Islamabad- At least 15 people lost their lives and over 80 others sustained injuries after a powerful explosion struck an imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarlai locality during Friday prayers, sparking widespread panic across the Pakistani capital, local media reported.
According to Pakistan’s Express Tribune, officials from the District Administration confirmed that the death toll had risen to 15. The report also stated that more than 80 injured individuals were shifted to hospitals across the city. A spokesperson from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said that 32 of the injured were admitted to their facility alone.
The explosion was reportedly heard across a wide area, and authorities have sealed off the blast site to facilitate evidence collection and forensic examination. Preliminary assessments suggest the possibility of a suicide attack, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact nature or motive behind the incident.
The blast comes amid a series of recent violent attacks across Pakistan, including multiple deadly assaults in Balochistan targeting both security personnel and civilians. Earlier, on November 11, a separate attack outside the Islamabad Court left at least 12 people dead and more than 36 injured.
Meanwhile, Dawn reported that Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad stated that it was too early to determine whether the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber or an improvised explosive device, adding that forensic teams are conducting investigations.
Geo News quoted local officials as saying that the attacker allegedly detonated explosives after being stopped at the mosque entrance.
The incident also coincides with the ongoing two-day official visit of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan.
In recent days, Pakistan has witnessed escalating violence following the launch of Operation Herof-2 by Baloch militant groups targeting security forces. Earlier this week, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed it had captured a Pakistani Army camp in the Ahmad Wal area of Nushki district after previously taking control of a base in the Galangur region of Balochistan.
The BLA has stated that it conducted coordinated attacks under Operation Herof across multiple locations, including Quetta, Nushki, and at least 12 other cities in Balochistan. Since the beginning of the second phase of the operation on January 31, the group has reportedly caused several casualties among Pakistani security personnel.
Separately, The Balochistan Post reported allegations by local residents claiming that Pakistani forces have targeted populated civilian areas, raising concerns over possible civilian casualties.
With inputs from IANS