• Explosion injures 12 others, one of them with 20pc burn injuries
• PM orders inquiry to determine cause; officials suspect gas cylinder leak behind tragedy

ISLAMABAD: A newly-wed couple was among eight people killed, while 12 others were injured, in an explosion at a house in Islamabad’s Sector G-7/2 during wedding festivities on Sunday, officials said.

Taking notice of the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the explosion that officials initially said appeared to have been caused by a gas cylinder though a thorough investigation would determine the exact cause.

The tragedy also raised safety concerns over the use of ‘substandard’ gas cylinders. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority authorises the manufacturing of LPG cylinders on the condition that it is carried out complying with strict national and international standards. While the authority has authorised 25 companies to manufacture cylinders, in Gujranwala alone, more than 400 small units operate in residential areas and produce substandard cylinders.

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) spokesperson Dr Aneeza Jalil told Dawn that six bodies and 11 injured people were brought to the hospital, where an emergency was imposed following the incident. One of the injured was shifted to the burns centre with 20 per cent burn injuries.

She later told Dawn that nine of the injured had been discharged. She added that among the two at the hospital, the condition of one of them was “unstable” and would have to undergo surgery.

Islamabad Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sahibzada Yusuf reached the site soon after the explosion and told reporters that at least four houses had been damaged. He confirmed that the deceased included the bride and groom.

“Apart from those shifted to Pims, two bodies and one injured person were taken to the Capital Hospital,” he said.

‘Cylinder explosion’

“The explosion occurred at a wedding venue, where guests were also present,” ADC Yusuf said, adding that all those trapped had been rescued from the rubble by means of “advanced technology”.

While an inquiry had been ordered to determine the exact cause, the official said it appeared to be a cylinder explosion.

Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa also told reporters that apparently the explosion was caused by a gas leak.

“So far, we have concluded that this explosion occurred due to a gas leakage,” he said.

“Nonetheless, we will carry out an independent probe into it. We’ve received instructions from the Prime Minister’s Office to launch a proper inquiry and find out the reasons as to why this incident happened.”

To a query, Mr Randhawa replied that compensation for the victims would not be delayed, though verification could take four to five days.

Meanwhile, Hanif Masih, the father of the deceased groom, told reporters that the wedding had taken place on Saturday and the family had returned home the night before the explosion.

“At the time of the incident [explosion], I was sleeping in a separate room adjacent to the house. I woke up after hearing a loud explosion and rushed to the spot, but by then everything had been destroyed,” he said.

He continued that apart from his son and daughter-in-law, his sister-in-law was also among the deceased, while his daughter and other family members were admitted to hospital.

PM Shehbaz expresses grief

PM Shehbaz expressed deep grief over the loss of lives, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

According to the state-run APP, the prime minister directed the federal health minister, health secretary, and Pims administration to remain on high alert and ensure that quality possible medical facilities were provided to the injured.

He also instructed the interior secretary to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report identifying the cause of the incident and fixing responsibility.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026