In the early hours of Friday prayers, a place of quiet devotion on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital was transformed in an instant into a scene of sorrow and upheaval. Worshippers gathered at the Khadija Al-Kubra Shiite mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad when a suicide bomber struck, shattering the peaceful rhythm of the weekly service with a blast that would claim many lives.
Officials confirmed that at least 31 people were killed and more than 169 others wounded, with emergency responders and hospital staff describing harrowing scenes of the injured being rushed to medical facilities. Many of the wounded are reported to be in serious or critical condition.
Witnesses painted a picture of chaos in the moments after the explosion. Those inside the mosque spoke of a sudden, powerful explosion that threw worshippers off their feet, sending bodies and debris across the carpeted floors and into the compound gardens. Police and local residents worked quickly to carry the wounded to ambulances as cries for help filled the air.
Authorities described the blast as a suicide attack, saying the suspected bomber was challenged by mosque guards before detonating the explosives among the worshippers. The assault is one of the deadliest to hit Islamabad in many years, and marks an escalation in sectarian violence that has become an ongoing concern in Pakistan.
No group has yet claimed responsibility, but suspicion has fallen on militant factions known to carry out similar attacks, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and affiliates of the Islamic State group, both of which have previously targeted Shiite civilians.
The bombing comes amid broader security challenges for Pakistan, which has faced increasing militant activity across several provinces in recent months. Political and religious leaders swiftly condemned the attack, expressing condolences and pledging support for victims’ families as investigations continue.
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Sources: Associated Press; Reuters; Financial Times; CNA.