Islamabad, Pakistan – A bombing at a Shia mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad has killed at least 31 people and injured more than 169 others, officials said Friday, . The attack occurred during Friday prayers, a peak time for worshippers.
The blast took place at the Imam Bargah Khadijah al-Kubra mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, according to reports. Police confirmed the casualty figures, stating that an investigation is underway to determine the nature of the explosion.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber or involved a planted device. Forensic teams are working to ascertain the details of the explosion, officials stated. A significant number of the wounded have been transported to hospitals across the capital, including Polyclinic Hospital, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), and CDA Hospital, where emergency protocols have been activated.
Rescue and police teams continue to search the area surrounding the mosque, conducting recovery operations and gathering evidence. The scale of the attack has prompted a widespread response from security personnel and medical teams.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the bombing, calling it a “crime against humanity.” In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Zardari expressed condolences to the families of the victims and instructed officials to provide all possible medical assistance to those injured. “Targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity,” he wrote.
The attack comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Pakistan. The country recently witnessed a coordinated militant attack in the Balochistan province, where security forces reported killing more than 200 militants. In November of last year, a suicide attack targeting district courts in Islamabad killed 12 people. The current bombing raises fears of a potential escalation in violence.
While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP) or the Islamic State group, both of which have been implicated in previous attacks targeting Shia Muslims, who constitute a minority population in Pakistan. The TTP, while a separate entity, maintains ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant violence in recent months, attributed largely to Baloch separatist groups and the TTP. A regional affiliate of the Islamic State group is also active within the country. The increase in attacks follows a period of relative calm, and raises questions about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures.
The bombing occurred as Uzbekistan’s president was visiting Islamabad, adding another layer of complexity to the security situation. The site of the blast is located near Islamabad’s “red zone,” an area housing important government buildings, raising concerns about potential targeting of state institutions.
Last year was the deadliest in Pakistan in over a decade, with combat-related deaths surging 74%, according to a recent report by an independent think tank. Militants were responsible for more than half of the deaths recorded. This latest attack underscores the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in combating terrorism and maintaining internal security.
The Pakistani government has not officially confirmed reports of a military operation in the Tirah Valley, a restive region bordering Afghanistan. However, thousands of families have recently migrated from the valley to safer locations, suggesting a potential escalation of conflict in the area. The situation in Tirah Valley could be linked to the broader increase in militant activity across the country.
The attack on the mosque is likely to further exacerbate sectarian tensions within Pakistan. Shia Muslims have long been targeted by extremist groups, and this latest incident will likely fuel fears and anxieties within the community. The government will face pressure to provide increased security for Shia places of worship and to take decisive action against those responsible for the attack.
