Islamabad Imambargah Blast Mastermind Arrested After Overnight Raids

Pakistan’s security forces have arrested the Islamabad imambargah blast mastermind following overnight raids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking a major development in the investigation into the deadly suicide attack that has claimed 35 lives so far. Officials confirmed the arrests early Saturday after coordinated operations in Peshawar and Nowshera.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said law enforcement agencies acted swiftly after the bombing. As a result, the Islamabad imambargah blast mastermind and four suspected facilitators were taken into custody around 3am. He praised the joint efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and provincial police for carrying out intelligence-based raids.

Authorities reported that one assistant sub-inspector was killed during the operation, while several officers suffered injuries. Despite the losses, officials described the arrests as a significant step toward dismantling the network behind the attack.

Investigators believe the operation was planned with support from militants based across the border. According to Naqvi, the suspect identified as the main handler is an Afghan national. Early findings suggest the attacker had spent months in Afghanistan, where he allegedly received training in weapons use and suicide bombing before returning to Pakistan in mid-2025.

Officials also confirmed links to Daesh, the banned militant group often called the so-called Islamic State. Intercepted communications between key suspects shortly before the explosion helped authorities trace the network and carry out targeted raids.

Naqvi further alleged that the attackers received foreign funding and guidance. He claimed that militant organisations were being financed from abroad and warned that multiple groups were operating in coordination, posing a serious threat to regional stability.

Calling the situation “war-like,” the minister urged citizens to stay alert and report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. He stressed that community intelligence plays a critical role in preventing attacks. Moreover, he noted that while one incident may occur, many others are stopped before they can happen.

The government plans to raise the issue on international platforms, arguing that rising terror budgets and cross-border support require global attention. Meanwhile, officials have announced security upgrades in Islamabad, including stronger monitoring at entry points and the recruitment of thousands of new police personnel.

Authorities maintain that the investigation is ongoing. However, the arrest of the alleged mastermind is being viewed as an important breakthrough in Pakistan’s continued fight against terrorism.