Punjab CM dispatches 25 ambulances after deadly Islamabad blast

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the immediate dispatch of 25 fully equipped emergency ambulances to Islamabad following a deadly suicide blast at an imambargah in the capital’s Tarlai area.

The ambulances were sent to support rescue and treatment efforts for victims of the attack during Friday prayers. Authorities have confirmed heavy casualties, with dozens killed and injured.

In a statement posted on X, the chief minister said all hospitals across Rawalpindi district have been placed on high alert to handle the influx of patients. She said emergency medical arrangements were activated without delay to ensure timely and effective treatment for the wounded.

Maryam Nawaz said surgical teams, anaesthetists, orthopaedic specialists and neurosurgeons in Rawalpindi hospitals have been placed on standby. Blood banks have been directed to ensure full staff presence, while operation theatres have been readied with all required medical equipment.

25 fully equipped emergency ambulances have been dispatched to Islamabad for the victims of the Imambargah blast. All hospitals across Rawalpindi District have been placed on high alert, with surgical teams, anesthetists, orthopedic and neurosurgical specialists on standby. Blood…

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 6, 2026

She also instructed the Rawalpindi commissioner and deputy commissioner to extend full cooperation and logistical support to the response operation. The move aims to strengthen coordination between Islamabad and Rawalpindi medical facilities due to the scale of casualties.

According to officials, at least 31 people were martyred and 169 others injured when a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside Imambargah Khadijah al-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area. The blast occurred during Friday prayers when the hall was crowded with worshippers.

Eyewitnesses said the attacker was stopped at the entrance area by security guards before he detonated the explosives. They reported that gunfire was exchanged before the explosion. Witnesses added that the main entrance door is about 30 metres from the imambargah gate, and guards attempted to block the suspect when he reached the main gate.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene shortly after the explosion and shifted the injured and deceased to nearby hospitals. Law enforcement agencies, including Pakistan Army troops and Rangers, cordoned off the area and launched a search and investigation operation.

At least 31 dead, 169 injured in suicide blast at Islamabad mosque

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said an emergency was declared at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital and the Capital Development Authority hospital to manage casualties.

The administration at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences said at least 18 bodies were brought to the facility, along with more than 78 injured persons. Officials at Rawalpindi’s Benazir Bhutto Hospital confirmed that four injured victims were shifted there, where one later died during treatment.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Police sources said initial assessments linked the assault to militants described as Fitna al-Khawarij.