Islamabad Mosque Attack: Deaths Rise to 38 & International Condemnation

Deadly Suicide Bombing at Islamabad Mosque Kills Dozens

Islamabad, Pakistan – A suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on Friday, February 6, 2026, has killed at least 31 people and injured 169 others, according to Pakistani officials. The attack, which occurred during Friday prayers, has been widely condemned both domestically and internationally.

The blast took place at a mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with “bodies lying everywhere” when first responders arrived. One witness reported hearing gunfire before the explosion, recalling a gunfight between mosque guards and the attacker. Police have confirmed the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who opened fire at the gates before detonating an explosive vest inside the mosque.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “crime against humanity” and emphasizing that targeting innocent civilians is unacceptable. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also issued a statement condemning the bombing “in the strongest terms,” reiterating that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable and demanding that those responsible be brought to justice.

A state of emergency has been declared in Islamabad and the neighboring city of Rawalpindi, with major hospitals appealing for blood donations to cope with the influx of casualties. The attack is considered the deadliest of its kind in Islamabad in over a decade, surpassing a 2008 suicide bombing at the Marriott Hotel that killed 63 people and injured more than 250.

Pakistani security forces have made significant progress in the investigation, arresting four suspects, including the alleged mastermind of the bombing. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the mastermind as an Afghan national with links to the Islamic State (ISIS) group. He alleged the attack was planned and the bomber trained in Afghanistan, with financial backing from India – claims that, as of Saturday, February 7, 2026, remain unverified.

ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating in a statement carried by its Amaq News Agency that it views Pakistani Shiite Muslims as legitimate targets, alleging they provide recruits to Shiite militias fighting ISIS in Syria.

The bombing comes less than three months after a similar suicide blast outside a court in Islamabad, which killed 12 people. It also coincided with the state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, raising concerns about regional security.

Minister Naqvi also alleged that several militant groups are operating from Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan, urging the international community to take notice and warning of potential regional instability. He addressed public concerns about security lapses, stating that while one blast may occur, many others are being prevented.

China has also condemned the attack and pledged its support to Pakistan.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of the network involved in the attack and to prevent future incidents.