Islamabad, Pakistan – At least 31 people were killed and 169 others wounded in a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad on , . The attack, which occurred during morning prayers at the Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque in the Tarlai neighborhood, has been claimed by an affiliate of the Islamic State group.
According to the Islamic State’s statement, posted via its Amaq News Agency, the attacker opened fire on security guards attempting to intercept him at the mosque’s main gate before detonating an explosive vest inside the building. The group described Pakistani Shiites as a “human reservoir” providing recruits to Shiite militias fighting against Islamic State in Syria, suggesting a sectarian motive for the attack.
Authorities have identified the bomber and are pursuing those involved in facilitating the attack. Overnight raids in Islamabad and northwestern Pakistan led to the arrest of several suspects, including the bomber’s brother, mother, and other relatives. State-run Pakistan TV reported the arrest of an Afghan national allegedly masterminding the attack, claiming the bombing was planned by Islamic State operatives based in Afghanistan.
The bombing represents the deadliest attack in Islamabad since the 2008 suicide bombing at the Marriott Hotel, which killed 63 people and injured over 250. In November of last year, a separate suicide bombing outside a court in the capital resulted in 12 fatalities. This latest incident occurs as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government faces a growing surge in militant activity across Pakistan.
Witnesses at the scene described chaotic scenes following the explosion, with bodies lying on the mosque’s carpeted floors and the wounded crying out for help. Footage from the aftermath showed residents and police transporting the injured to nearby hospitals, some arriving in critical condition. Journalists from the Associated Press observed dozens of wounded individuals arriving at a local hospital, many with blood-stained clothing.
The attack prompted a swift condemnation from Prime Minister Sharif, who vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity,” stated Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiments. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack, stating through his spokesperson that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable.
Pakistani authorities have indicated the attacker was a Pakistani national who had recently traveled to Afghanistan. This detail raises concerns about the potential for cross-border militant activity and the security situation in neighboring Afghanistan. The Islamic State affiliate responsible for the attack is known as Islamic State in Pakistan, highlighting the group’s growing presence and operational capacity within the country.
The attack also initially drew speculation regarding the involvement of the Taliban, with Pakistan’s defense minister suggesting they may have been acting as a proxy for India. However, India has rejected these allegations as baseless. The Islamic State’s claim of responsibility, however, appears to be the most substantiated account at this time.
Funerals for the victims were held , , under tight security at the same mosque. The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly concerning sectarian violence and the threat posed by extremist groups. The incident is likely to further strain regional security dynamics and prompt increased counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
The Islamic State’s claim of responsibility, verified by SITE Intelligence Group, marks a significant escalation in the group’s activity within Pakistan. While the full extent of Islamic State’s influence in the country remains unclear, the attack demonstrates its capacity to carry out sophisticated and deadly operations. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focused on dismantling the network of individuals involved in planning and executing the bombing.
