A suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad during Friday prayers killed 24 people and injured over 100. Read latest updates on the attack, investigation, official reactions, and security response.

Islamabad: A suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in southeastern Islamabad has killed at least 24 people and injured more than 100 others. This is one of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan’s capital in recent years. The blast took place during Friday prayers and has been strongly condemned across the country. The incident has once again highlighted ongoing sectarian tensions in Pakistan. Security agencies are continuing their investigation and are examining possible links to militant groups operating from nearby regions.

Incident Details and Eyewitness Accounts

The explosion occurred at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque, also known as the Tarlai Imambargah, located in the Tarlai Kalan area of Shehzad Town, around 1:44 PM Pakistan time. A large number of worshippers were present for Juma Namaz when a suicide bomber, who was stopped by security personnel at the mosque entrance, detonated the explosives.

The blast was extremely powerful and could be heard up to five kilometers away. It badly damaged the prayer hall and scattered debris, shattered glass, and injured bodies across the mosque premises.

Eyewitnesses said there was complete panic after the explosion. Many injured people were crying for help in the garden area outside the mosque. Videos shared on social media show disturbing scenes, with wounded victims being carried to ambulances. According to police sources, the attacker was a foreign national linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), although no group has officially claimed responsibility so far.

Rising Casualties and Emergency Response

At first, officials reported that 10 to 15 people had died, but the death toll later increased to 24. A total of 101 injured people were taken to hospitals. Many of them are in critical condition, putting heavy pressure on major hospitals such as PIMS and Polyclinic Hospital.

A citywide emergency was declared, and rescue teams worked continuously to transport the injured and clear the area. Health and police officials initially confirmed more than 60 casualties, with numbers increasing as more information became available.

Due to the large number of injured patients, local residents and organizations issued urgent appeals for blood donations.

Official Condemnations and Investigation Progress

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism.” He expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and said the government remains committed to eliminating extremism from the country.

Senior police officer Zafar Iqbal said the bombing was a planned suicide attack and confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to identify the people and network behind it.

So far, no arrests have been made. Investigators are focusing on possible involvement of TTP or Islamic State-linked groups, as both have a history of targeting Shia communities. The area around the mosque has been sealed off, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to gather evidence.

Sectarian Violence and Broader Context

The attack is part of a long pattern of sectarian violence against Pakistan’s Shia minority, who have often been targeted through attacks and discrimination. Similar incidents in recent years, including a TTP-claimed bombing in Islamabad in 2025, suggest a rise in militant activity.

Security analysts believe such attacks are designed to target religious gatherings in order to cause maximum casualties. The incident has also raised serious concerns about intelligence and security failures in the capital. If links to cross-border militant groups are confirmed, the attack could further affect relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Public Reactions and Calls for Unity

The bombing triggered widespread anger and grief on social media. Users on X shared updates, videos, and reactions using hashtags such as #IslamabadBlast. Many people questioned the security arrangements and demanded accountability from authorities.

At the same time, religious and community leaders urged people to remain united and reject extremism. As the country mourns the victims, the attack highlights the urgent need for stronger counter-terrorism measures to protect vulnerable communities.

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.

Also Read on jabalpur today: Ahmedabad Police Bust High-Profile Silver Jubilee Party in Sanand: 81 Detained Amid Liquor and Hookah Seizures