Pakistan: suicide bombing at Islamabad mosque kills 31

A suicide bombing at a Shi’ite mosque in Pakistan’s capital left at least 31 people dead and nearly 170 others wounded during prayers, officials said, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Islamabad in recent years, according to The New Arab and agencies on February 6th.

The explosion struck the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah, a Shi’ite place of worship located on the outskirts of the city, as hundreds of worshippers gathered for congregational prayers.

Images from the scene showed debris scattered across the prayer hall, with shattered glass, damaged walls and blood-stained carpets. Survivors and volunteers rushed to assist the injured as ambulances transported victims to nearby hospitals.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon said the death toll had risen steadily as more casualties were confirmed. “A total of 31 people have lost their lives, while 169 wounded individuals have been taken to hospitals for treatment,” he said in a statement.

Two police officials said the suspected attacker was intercepted at the entrance gate of the mosque by security personnel before detonating the explosives.

Bombings are relatively uncommon in Islamabad, which is considered one of the country’s most secure cities and is home to key government institutions. However, Pakistan has experienced a resurgence of militant violence in recent years, particularly targeting security forces, religious minorities and public gatherings.

Shi’ite Muslims, who form a minority within Pakistan’s predominantly Sunni population of around 241 million people, have frequently been targeted in sectarian attacks. Armed groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have previously carried out assaults on Shi’ite communities, viewing them as heretical.

Authorities said investigations were underway to determine responsibility for the latest attack. No group immediately claimed involvement.

The bombing follows another deadly incident in Islamabad in November, when a suicide blast killed 12 people and injured dozens more. Officials at the time blamed an Afghan national, although no organisation formally claimed responsibility.

Security has since been tightened across the capital, with additional checkpoints and patrols deployed around mosques and other sensitive sites as officials seek to prevent further attacks.

The New Arab and agencies, Maghrebi.org