By The South Asia Times

At least 31 people were killed and nearly 170 injured after a powerful suicide explosion struck an imambargah during Friday prayers in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, according to Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.

"So far 31 killed and 169 injured," DC Islamabad said on X.

"Emergency has been imposed in PIMS, Polyclinic, and CDA Hospital; Assistant Commissioners have been deployed to various hospitals to oversee the treatment and care of the injured; the site of the explosion has been completely sealed off," it said.

However, later Deputy Commissioner deleted the post from his official X account.

The blast occurred in the Tarlai area, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood and triggering a large-scale emergency response. Police and Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene, evacuating the wounded to nearby hospitals while launching search and rescue operations.

Authorities said the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Islamabad Capital Territory Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad noted that forensic experts are investigating whether the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber or resulted from an improvised explosive device.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the attack and said Pakistan stands united against terrorism.

 "I strongly condemned this cowardly suicide attack on innocent worshippers during Friday prayers at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad, killing dozens. Targeting places of worship and civilians is a heinous crime against humanity and a blatant violation of Islamic principles. Pakistan stands united against terrorism in all its forms. This barbarity will not intimidate us and extremists will be brought to full account," he said on X.

The incident coincided with the two-day official visit of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, prompting heightened security measures across the federal capital.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Officials have cordoned off the area as investigations continue, while hospitals remain on alert to treat the injured.

Prime Minister spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi accused India is behind the current terror attacks in the country.

"Today’s attack at the imambargah in Islamabad is only the latest in a series of murderous terrorist attacks orchestrated by India. India’s terrorist proxies will neither slow down economic recovery, nor divide Pakistani hearts, nor undermine Pakistan’s growing diplomatic capital," he said in a statement.