A suicide bombing at a mosque in Pakistan’s capital has killed at least 31 people and injured more than 160 others, officials say, prompting strong condemnation from the country’s leadership.
The attack took place on Friday (February 6) at the Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai district during prayers, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.
Police said militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were responsible.
Local media reported that the attacker detonated explosives after being challenged at the mosque entrance. Eyewitnesses said that security guards opened fire as they attempted to stop the assailant at the main gate, around 30 metres from the prayer hall. The attacker reportedly forced his way inside before triggering the explosion while prayers were underway.
The blast shattered windows across the three-storey building and damaged nearby homes. Several security guards were injured during the exchange of fire.
Security forces, including Pakistan Army troops and Rangers, sealed off the area as rescue teams evacuated casualties. Victims were taken to hospitals across Islamabad and Rawalpindi after medical facilities in the capital struggled to cope with the number of injured.
Authorities declared an emergency at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital and the Capital Development Authority Hospital, with officials deployed to oversee treatment.
14:01
A powerful explosion has struck a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, officials report.
The blast occurred at Khadijatul Kubra mosque in the Tarlai area of southeastern Islamabad during Friday prayers, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.
Rescue teams have been dispatched to the scene.
Authorities have yet to confirm casualty figures, though fears of a significant death toll have emerged.
The incident follows a string of attacks in the capital, including a November 2025 suicide bombing at the entrance of the Islamabad District Judicial Complex that killed at least 12 people and injured dozens.
By Aghakazim Guliyev
