More than 60 people have been killed and over 80 injured after a suicide bomber detonated himself inside a Shia shrine in Islamabad on Friday. The devastating attack at Tarlai Imambargah in Shehzad Town occurred during Friday prayers, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan's capital in recent years.

The Islamabad Inspector General of Police has declared a city-wide emergency as relief and rescue operations continue.

Attack During Friday Prayers

Local Pakistani media reported that the suicide bomber detonated his vest at the main gate of the Shia place of worship as worshippers gathered for Friday prayers. The timing of the attack maximized casualties at the crowded religious site.

Security forces and law enforcement teams were rushed to the scene amid fears of multiple casualties. The injured have been shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment.

Third Major Attack in Recent Months

The shrine bombing is the third major terrorist attack to hit Pakistan in recent weeks:

Pakistan Battling Multiple Insurgencies

The attack comes as Pakistan's security forces battle a stiff insurgency by Baloch rebels in the country's largest province. The military launched Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 on January 26 against Baloch insurgents, who have intensified attacks including deadly ambushes and suicide bombings.

Balochistan, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, has witnessed an armed rebellion for years. The Balochistan Liberation Army recently carried out coordinated attacks across multiple cities, killing nearly 50 people including security personnel.

Sectarian Violence Persists

The targeting of a Shia shrine follows a long pattern of sectarian attacks in Pakistan. Shia Muslims, who constitute roughly 20 percent of Pakistan's population, have faced repeated violence from Sunni extremist groups over decades.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for Friday's attack.