A devastating attack occurred during Friday prayers at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, leaving at least 32 people dead and more than 160 injured. The tragedy unfolded when a suicide bomber launched an assault, which has since been claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS) through posts on their Telegram channel. The group named the alleged bomber and shared an image, though its authenticity has not been independently verified.
As part of the investigation, authorities have apprehended an Afghan ISIS operative believed to be the mastermind behind the attack. In what has been described as a significant breakthrough, four additional suspects who allegedly facilitated the bombing were also taken into custody following intelligence-led raids in northwestern Pakistan. During these operations, one police officer tragically lost their life.
Eyewitness accounts detail the chaos that ensued when the attack began. Worshippers reported hearing gunfire before a powerful explosion shook the mosque, which was filled with over 400 people at the time. Survivors described a horrifying scene filled with panic, as individuals rushed to assist the injured amidst the wreckage in the aftermath.
The United States embassy in Islamabad condemned the attack, asserting that such acts of terror against civilians and places of worship are intolerable. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari denounced the targeting of innocent civilians as “a crime against humanity,” expressing solidarity with the victims’ families. Afghanistan’s government also condemned the violence, emphasizing that such attacks contradict Islamic and humanitarian values.
This recent bombing marks the deadliest incident in Pakistan since January 2023, when over 100 people were killed in a similar attack in Peshawar. While militant activity in Pakistan has surged in recent years, Islamabad has typically been a heavily fortified environment that has experienced fewer attacks. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the nation in combatting extremism.
The incident has united thousands who mourned the victims under heavy security in Islamabad, reflecting the resilient spirit of the community during such a trying time. Despite the violence, many remain hopeful for a future where people can worship freely and safely.