A suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, on February 6, 2026, has killed at least 31 people and injured 169, marking a tragic escalation of violence in the region. The attack occurred during Friday prayers in the Tarlai area, with witnesses reporting gunfire before the explosion, and has been condemned by Pakistani officials and international entities.
The blast took place at the Khadijatul Kubra Mosque, where a large congregation had gathered for prayers. According to police, a suicide bomber detonated a device after being challenged by security guards at the entrance, leading to a scene of chaos with bodies and debris scattered across the compound. Eyewitnesses described hearing bullets fired as prayers began, followed by the devastating explosion that left many injured and disoriented.
In response, Pakistani authorities declared an emergency at hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with appeals for blood donations to treat the wounded. Rescue officials confirmed that some victims had gunshot injuries, indicating a coordinated assault. The mosque’s caretaker, Syed Ashfaq, recounted arriving to find bodies with missing limbs and helping transport the critically injured to medical facilities using private vehicles.
Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, expressed deep grief and condemned the attack, with Sharif calling for an immediate investigation to identify the perpetrators. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged that the attacker had links to Afghanistan and accused India of involvement, though both countries denied any role, with Afghanistan’s Taliban government describing the accusations as baseless.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack through its Telegram channels, naming the alleged attacker as “Sayf Allah al-Ansari” and providing details of the incident. However, this claim has not been independently verified by sources like the BBC. The attack adds to a pattern of violence in Pakistan, which experienced its deadliest year in over a decade in 2025, with militant groups accounting for more than half of combat-related deaths.
Contextually, the blast follows recent coordinated attacks in Balochistan that killed 58 civilians, attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Army, and a suicide bombing in Islamabad in November 2025 that left 12 dead. Pakistan has been grappling with insurgency along its Afghan border, and the government has recently discussed military operations in regions like Tirah Valley, though not officially confirmed.
International reactions included condemnation from the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for justice, and expressions of solidarity from various nations. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, with implications for regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.
As investigations proceed, authorities are focused on uncovering the full scope of the attack and preventing future incidents. The tragedy has sparked national mourning and raised concerns about the safety of religious gatherings, with calls for enhanced security measures to protect civilians in the capital and beyond.
