Deadly Suicide Bombing at Islamabad Shiite Mosque Leaves 31 Dead, Dozens Injured

ISLAMABAD:  At least 31 people were killed and about 169 wounded on Friday in a suicide bombing at the Khadija Tul Kubra Shiite mosque on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital during crowded Friday prayers, officials said. It was one of the deadliest attacks in Islamabad in over a decade.

The assailant opened fire at mosque gates before detonating an explosive vest among worshippers, according to authorities and eyewitnesses. Police said the blast tore through the prayer hall around midday, with horror scenes of bodies and the wounded strewn across the carpeted floor and surrounding grounds.

Islamic State Claims Responsibility
The Islamic State group’s Pakistan affiliate claimed responsibility for the attack through its Telegram channel, releasing a photo it said showed the attacker. The group framed Shiite Muslims as legitimate targets.

Security forces launched overnight operations, arresting several suspects, including relatives of the bomber and an Afghan national alleged to be a regional IS mastermind, though a police officer was killed in the raids, officials said. (Reuters)

Official Response and Diplomatic Tensions
Pakistan’s Defence Minister alleged links between the bomber and cross-border militants, including training ties to Afghanistan, a claim Kabul’s Taliban government rejected. India also strongly denied any involvement after suggestions from Islamabad, calling such claims “baseless.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the blast. Sharif vowed justice for the perpetrators, while Zardari labelled the attack a “crime against humanity” and called for enhanced security nationwide.

Mourning and Security Clampdown
On Saturday, thousands of mourners gathered under tight security to bury victims, many of them young worshippers and community members. Funeral prayers were held at the mosque and nearby imambargahs, with clerics, police officials and political figures in attendance.

Opposition leaders and community elders stressed that the tragedy should not be framed as a sectarian conflict, urging unity and resilience amid grief.

Hospitals across Islamabad and adjoining regions remained on emergency alert as medics cared for the wounded, some in critical condition. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as investigations continue.

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