According to media reports, the explosion took place at Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in the Tarlai area of the federal capital. Several videos circulating on social media showed bodies scattered across the floor of the religious building as worshippers and rescuers rushed to help the injured and transport them to nearby hospitals.

Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad told Dawn News that it was too early to determine the exact nature of the blast. He confirmed that among the deceased was a cousin of Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, while another relative sustained injuries.

Police and Rescue 1122 personnel quickly reached the scene and cordoned off the area. An emergency was declared at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on the directives of its executive director, a hospital spokesperson confirmed. Authorities have also appealed to the public to donate blood for the injured.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the incident in a post on X, saying she was “deeply saddened” by the tragic blast and extended her condolences to the victims’ families. She announced that 25 fully equipped emergency ambulances had been dispatched to Islamabad, while all hospitals in Rawalpindi district were placed on high alert. Surgical teams, anesthetists, orthopedic and neurosurgical specialists were put on standby, and blood banks were fully staffed to ensure prompt medical care. She added that the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi had been directed to provide all possible assistance.

The attack reportedly occurred during the visit of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan. No group has claimed responsibility so far.

The blast comes days after the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army carried out multiple attacks in Pakistan’s insurgency-hit Balochistan province. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, according to Dunya News.