A blast ripped through the Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan neighbourhood during Friday prayers, leaving at least ten people injured and raising fears of further casualties. Police and rescue teams immediately rushed to the site, while a medical emergency was declared across the capital’s major hospitals, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic, and CDA Hospital.
Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion may have been caused by a suicide bomber detonating near the entrance of the mosque, though investigations are still underway.
The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of religious spaces in Pakistan, particularly as it follows a similar attack in Islamabad just months ago. Authorities are currently working to determine the exact cause of the blast, identify those responsible, and ensure that the injured receive urgent medical care.
Explosion During Congregational Prayers Shocks Islamabad
The explosion occurred on Friday afternoon as worshippers had gathered in large numbers for weekly Jumma prayers at the Shi’ite mosque in the Tarlai area. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of panic and chaos as the powerful blast shook the building and surrounding streets.
Islamabad police confirmed that multiple people were injured in the incident and were quickly transported to nearby hospitals by rescue workers and volunteers. Hospital officials stated that an emergency was imposed immediately after the blast, with trauma centres, burn units, orthopaedic wards, and neurology departments placed on high alert.
Senior administrators at PIMS confirmed that additional doctors and medical staff were called in to handle the influx of patients. While authorities have not yet released a confirmed death toll, fears remain that the number of victims could rise as more information becomes available. Security forces have cordoned off the area, and forensic teams are collecting evidence to piece together what led to the devastating explosion.
Echoes of Past Attacks Heighten Fears
This incident has revived painful memories of a suicide bombing outside a district court building in Islamabad’s G-11 sector in November last year, which killed twelve people and injured more than thirty. That attack had already exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s security infrastructure, particularly in crowded civilian spaces.
Analysts note that places of worship have increasingly become soft targets for extremist violence in Pakistan, with sectarian tensions often exploited by militant groups seeking to create fear and instability. Although no organisation has yet claimed responsibility for the latest blast, law enforcement agencies are examining whether it follows patterns seen in previous attacks.
The possibility that the explosion was carried out by a suicide bomber has further alarmed residents, many of whom believed Islamabad to be relatively safer compared to other parts of the country. The federal government has called for a detailed report on the incident, and security has been tightened at sensitive locations across the capital as a precautionary measure. Community leaders have urged calm and appealed to the public not to spread unverified information while investigations continue.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
An attack on a mosque during prayers is not merely an act of physical violence it is an assault on faith, humanity, and the shared values that hold societies together. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peace, reflection, and unity, and targeting them strikes at the very heart of communal harmony. The Logical Indian strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and believes that no political, ideological, or religious grievance can ever justify the killing or injuring of innocent people.
Such incidents deepen divisions, spread mistrust among communities, and create cycles of fear that are difficult to heal. At the same time, moments like these remind us of the importance of solidarity, compassion, and collective resilience. Governments must prioritise the protection of civilians and religious minorities, while citizens must resist attempts to fuel hatred or sectarian discord. True security lies not only in stronger policing but also in nurturing empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect across differences.
