Islamabad mosque suicide blast kills 31, over 160 injured as IS claims responsibility

• What happened: A suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad during Friday prayers on February 6, 2026 killed at least 31 people and injured 169 others, officials confirmed.

• Why it matters now: The attack marks the deadliest incident in Pakistan’s capital since the 2008 Marriott hotel bombing, raising fresh security concerns.

• What changes for people: Authorities are tightening security around religious sites and public gatherings amid fears of further attacks.

• Who is affected: Worshippers, residents of Islamabad, security agencies and regional stability watchers across South Asia.

A deadly suicide explosion struck the Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, killing dozens of people gathered for weekly prayers. Officials said the attacker detonated an explosive vest after being stopped at the entrance, turning a crowded religious gathering into one of the worst attacks the capital has seen in years.

Explosion during prayers triggers chaos

Witnesses described panic inside the mosque as gunfire was heard moments before the blast. Worshipper Muhammad Kazim, aged 52, said the explosion hit just as prayers began, sending debris across the hall and injuring people standing close together.

Another survivor, Imran Mahmood, said volunteer security members tried to stop the attacker before he detonated the explosives, possibly preventing even higher casualties.

IS claims responsibility for the attack

The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility, according to monitoring organisations tracking extremist communications. Authorities said the bomber targeted a congregation of worshippers, highlighting the continued threat posed by militant networks despite ongoing security operations.

Investigators are examining whether the attacker had accomplices and how the individual reached the capital’s outskirts undetected.

Government response and security concerns

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. Security forces increased deployment around mosques and sensitive locations following the blast, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as many victims remain critically injured.

Analysts say the incident could trigger renewed debate over counterterrorism measures and protection of minority religious communities.

Scenes at hospitals reveal scale of tragedy

Journalists at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences reported chaotic scenes as ambulances rushed in victims with severe injuries. Families gathered outside emergency wards, while medical teams worked to stabilise dozens of patients, including children.

Police sealed off the blast site, where bloodstains, broken glass and abandoned footwear marked the aftermath of the explosion.

Regional security implications

The attack underscores ongoing militant threats in Pakistan at a time of heightened political and security challenges. Experts warn that targeting places of worship risks fuelling sectarian tensions and could influence broader regional stability.