At least 31 people were killed and dozens more wounded after a suicide bomber detonated explosives at a Shi’ite mosque in Pakistan’s capital during Friday prayers, according to police officials.
Images from the scene showed bloodied bodies on the mosque floor, surrounded by shattered glass, debris, and panicked worshippers. Dozens of wounded lay in the garden outside the mosque as frantic calls for help echoed through the area.
“The attacker was stopped at the gate before detonating the bomb,” said one police official, who requested anonymity. Authorities confirmed multiple fatalities but cautioned that numbers could rise as investigations continued.
Bombings in Islamabad are rare due to the city’s heavy security, yet Pakistan has witnessed a steady rise in militant attacks in recent years. The capital was also targeted last year on November 11, suicide bombing, which killed 12 people and injured 27, reportedly carried out by an Afghan national, though no group claimed responsibility.
Shi’ite Muslims, a minority in Pakistan’s predominantly Sunni population of 241 million, have historically faced sectarian violence. Militant groups such as the Sunni Islamist Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have previously targeted Shi’ites, whom they consider heretics.
Police have cordoned off the area and are conducting investigations to determine the identity of the attacker and any possible accomplices. Authorities are also reviewing mosque security protocols following the attack.
Residents of Islamabad expressed shock and grief, describing a scene of chaos and terror. Many worshippers were attending Friday prayers when the blast occurred, a time of high attendance at mosques across the country.
“This is heartbreaking. People were praying when the attack happened. Such violence is unacceptable,” said local resident Farah Khan, who witnessed the aftermath.
The attack is likely to escalate concerns about Pakistan’s sectarian divisions and the safety of minority communities, particularly in urban centres like Islamabad. Security experts have noted that while Pakistan has strengthened counterterrorism measures, sectarian attacks continue to pose a persistent threat.
Authorities have appealed for calm and urged the public to assist in identifying witnesses or suspicious activity. Emergency services continue to treat the wounded, and hospitals have been placed on high alert to manage the influx of casualties.
This latest bombing underscores the ongoing challenge of protecting religious minorities and maintaining security in Pakistan, as sectarian and militant violence continues to flare despite government efforts.
with inputs from Reuters
