Suicide blast at Islamabad shrine kills 10; several others injured
What's the story
A suspected suicide bomber reportedly detonated himself outside an Imam Bargah in the Shehzad Town area of Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, killing 10 people and injuring 20 more. The blast took place at the Tarlai Imambargah. According to preliminary reports, the suicide bomber detonated explosives at the main gate of the Shia place of worship during the afternoon hours.
Attack
Attacker was stopped by guards
The Times of Islamabad, citing sources, reported that the attacker was stopped by guards at the entrance, stopping him from entering the main hall where worshippers were assembled. Despite this, video footage of the bomb site revealed that the explosion did considerable damage to the gate construction and damaged windows of nearby buildings, with debris dispersed over the road.
Medical response
Hospitals on high alert
In the wake of the blast, hospitals in Islamabad have been put on high alert. The Polyclinic, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and CDA Hospital have all declared emergencies. A spokesperson for PIMS told Dawn that a full emergency had been declared with activation of the main emergency ward along with the orthopedic, burn, and neurology departments.
Rescue efforts
Ambulances ferrying injured to hospitals
Ambulances were seen ferrying the injured to PIMS and Polyclinic as rescue operations continue. However, the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed. The blast comes less than three months after a suicide attack outside a district and sessions court in Islamabad's G-11 sector on November 11, 2025. That attack had killed 12 people and injured over 30 others.