An explosion at a Shia mosque in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has killed more than 30 people and injured over 160 others, with officials warning the toll could rise.
The blast struck Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in the Tarlai area of southeastern Islamabad during Friday prayers.
A district administration spokesperson said at least 31 people were killed and 169 wounded when the explosion tore through the imambargah.
Earlier, a police source told AFP that at least 30 people had died and more than 130 were injured, adding that the toll was “expected to rise further”.
Images from the scene showed bodies lying on the carpeted floor amid broken glass and debris. Outside the mosque, wounded worshippers were seen in the garden as bystanders called for assistance.
Police and Rescue 1122 teams arrived shortly after the explosion and launched rescue operations, according to Pakistani media outlets.
According to the Islamabad administration, 169 people were transferred to hospitals after emergency responders reached the site.
An emergency was declared at Polyclinic Hospital, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and CDA Hospital. A PIMS spokesperson confirmed to Dawn that the measure was taken on the directives of the hospital’s executive director. Hospital authorities appealed to the public to donate blood.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said it was too early to determine the exact nature of the blast. However, he indicated that initial signs pointed to a suicide bombing.
The area has been sealed off by security personnel, and assistant commissioners have been assigned to oversee medical treatment for the injured.
Pakistani officials strongly condemned the attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his “deep grief” over the blast.
President Asif Ali Zardari also offered condolences, saying, “Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity.” He directed that all possible medical facilities be provided to those injured.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, condemned the attack in a post on X.
“I extend my sincere and deepest condolences and sympathy to the government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families,” he said, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and we pray for the safe and speedy recovery of the injured.”
