ISLAMABAD: A devastating suicide bombing struck a Shia mosque in Islamabadon Friday, claiming at least 31 lives and injuring 169 others duringcongregational prayers, marking the deadliest terrorist attack in thePakistani capital in over 15 years. The Islamic State group’s PakistanProvince affiliate promptly claimed responsibility through its Amaq NewsAgency, describing the assailant as a fighter who opened fire on guardsbefore detonating an explosive vest near the inner gate. This incident hasheightened fears of escalating sectarian violence and militant resurgencein urban centers, prompting widespread condemnation from governmentofficials and international observers. Authorities described the blast atImambargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra in Tarlai Kalan as a targeted assault onworshippers, with the attacker reportedly stopped at the entrance yetmanaging to cause mass casualties.
The attack unfolded around 1:30 pm during peak Friday prayers, when themosque was filled with devotees. Eyewitness accounts and official reportsindicate the suicide bomber engaged security personnel briefly with gunfirebefore triggering his device, leading to chaos as debris and shrapnelinjured scores. Medical facilities, including the Pakistan Institute ofMedical Sciences, were overwhelmed with arrivals amid heavy rainfall,complicating rescue efforts. The casualty figures, confirmed by police andhospital sources, underscore the potency of the explosives used, believedto include ball bearings for maximum impact. This event revives memories ofpast sectarian-targeted violence in Pakistan, where Shia communities havehistorically faced threats from extremist groups.
Islamic State’s claim, disseminated via Telegram channels, included apurported photograph of the attacker, identified in some reports asSaifullah Ansari, holding a weapon with his face partially obscured. Thestatement framed the operation as part of the group’s campaign againstperceived ideological adversaries, warning of further actions. Monitoringorganizations like the SITE Intelligence Group verified the authenticity ofthe claim, highlighting Islamic State’s ongoing efforts to assert presencein Pakistan despite territorial losses elsewhere. The affiliate, known asIslamic State in Pakistan Province, has previously operated in limitedcapacity but appears to exploit local vulnerabilities for high-profilestrikes.
Government responses were swift and multifaceted. Defence Minister KhawajaAsif alleged foreign involvement, asserting the attacker had links toAfghanistan and suggesting collusion with India, though no concreteevidence was presented immediately. President Asif Ali Zardari denouncedthe act as a crime against humanity, vowing justice for the victims.Security forces intensified operations nationwide, with reports of arrestsand crackdowns on suspected networks. Critics noted this as the secondmajor attack in Islamabad within months, following a November 2025courthouse bombing, raising questions about intelligence failures andborder security lapses.
The broader security landscape in Pakistan has deteriorated, with militantgroups exploiting instability. While Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)dominates border regions, Islamic State affiliates target sectarian sitesto sow discord. Experts point to a surge in attacks across provinces,including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attributing it to weakenedcounterterrorism frameworks post-2021 Afghan developments. The capital’srelative calm had been maintained through layered defenses, yet this breachexposes gaps in protecting soft targets like religious gatherings.
Community leaders from the Shia minority expressed outrage and demandedenhanced protection for mosques and imambargahs. Funerals proceeded onSaturday under heavy security, with thousands mourning the deceased amidcalls for national unity against extremism. International reactionsincluded condemnations from various capitals, urging Pakistan to bolsteranti-terror measures. Analysts warn that unchecked sectarian attacks couldinflame domestic tensions and undermine regional stability.
Investigations continue into the bomber’s background, travel history, andpotential accomplices. Forensic teams examined remnants at the site, whiledigital forensics probe online propaganda links. The government’s pledgefor a comprehensive response includes possible military operations anddiplomatic engagements to address cross-border threats. This tragedyhighlights persistent challenges in eradicating militancy, despite years ofoperations.
The incident has sparked debates on counter-radicalization strategies andthe need for inclusive policies to counter extremist narratives. AsPakistan grapples with economic pressures and political divisions, suchattacks risk diverting resources and eroding public confidence in stateinstitutions.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1971418/at-least-31-killed-169-injured-in-suicide-bombing-at-islamabad-imambargah
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