At least 31 people were killed and nearly 170 injured after a suicide bomber targeted a Shiite mosque in Islamabad on Friday. The explosion occurred during congregational prayers, prompting emergency response efforts and heightened security across Pakistan’s capital.
Explosion During Friday Prayers
The blast struck a Shiite place of worship in the Tarlai Kalan area on Islamabad’s outskirts. Worshippers had gathered for Friday prayers when the explosion occurred.
Security personnel and emergency responders gather outside a Shiite mosque in Islamabad after a suicide bombing during Friday prayers on February 6, 2026. [BBC]
Police officials said the attacker attempted to enter the mosque compound before detonating explosives. The explosion caused heavy casualties inside the building and its courtyard.
Rescue teams arrived shortly after the blast. Ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Authorities confirmed 31 fatalities by late evening. Several injured victims remain in critical condition.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Medical officials declared an emergency at major hospitals in the capital region. Doctors and paramedics worked through the afternoon treating those wounded.
Health authorities reported nearly 170 people sustained injuries of varying severity. Many suffered blast-related trauma and shrapnel wounds.
Blood donation appeals were issued soon after the attack. Volunteers gathered at hospitals to assist medical staff.
Security forces cordoned off the area as forensic teams began collecting evidence. The mosque premises remained sealed during initial investigations.
Government Condemnation and Official Statements
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing and expressed condolences to affected families. He described the attack as a cowardly act targeting innocent worshippers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemns the Islamabad mosque bombing and offers condolences to victims’ families. [Wikimedia]
President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a statement condemning the violence. He assured the public that authorities would pursue those responsible.
Government officials shared their statements on social media platform X. Posts circulated widely as citizens reacted to the incident.
BBC’s live coverage feed on X reported updates from local authorities throughout the day. The broadcaster cited hospital and police confirmations regarding casualty figures.
Security Measures Intensified Across Islamabad
Security was tightened across the capital following the explosion. Additional police and paramilitary units were deployed at sensitive locations.
Police increase security and establish checkpoints across Islamabad after the deadly mosque attack.[BBC]
Checkpoints were set up on major roads leading into Islamabad. Vehicles entering the city faced inspection as part of precautionary measures.
The heightened alert came amid concerns over potential further threats. Authorities did not immediately confirm any group’s involvement.
The attack occurred during a period of increased security presence in the capital. Officials stated investigations are ongoing.
Investigation and Responsibility
No militant group has claimed responsibility for the bombing so far. Security agencies are examining possible links to previous sectarian attacks.
Investigators collected fragments from the blast site to determine the explosive type used. Forensic analysis is underway.
Forensic investigators examining debris at Islamabad mosque explosion site. [Al Jazeera]
Police sources indicated the attacker detonated explosives near the mosque entrance. Guards reportedly attempted to stop him before the explosion.
Al Jazeera reported that authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding areas. Officials are also questioning potential witnesses.
Sectarian Context and Recent Developments
Shiite communities in Pakistan have faced attacks in past years. Friday congregational prayers often draw large gatherings.
The targeted mosque serves local residents in the Tarlai Kalan neighborhood. Many victims were reported to be regular attendees.
RNZ and Xinhua reported similar casualty figures, citing hospital and police officials. Both outlets confirmed the explosion occurred during prayers.
News agencies also noted that emergency services responded within minutes. Residents in nearby areas reported hearing a powerful blast.
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Public Reaction and Ongoing Updates
Images from the scene showed damaged sections of the mosque and scattered debris. Emergency personnel continued operations into the evening.
On X, journalists shared verified updates from Islamabad authorities. Newsrooms posted statements from government officials and hospital administrators.
Public gatherings were restricted near the affected site. Security officials urged citizens to remain vigilant.
Authorities stated that further details will be released after initial investigations conclude. Funeral arrangements for victims are expected in the coming days.
Law enforcement agencies remain stationed around major religious sites. Officials confirmed continued monitoring across the capital region.
FAQs
- What happened at the mosque in Islamabad on February 6, 2026?
A suicide bombing struck a Shiite mosque in the Tarlai Kalan area of Islamabad during Friday prayers. At least 31 people were killed and nearly 170 others were injured. The explosion occurred as worshippers gathered inside the mosque compound.
- How many people were killed in the Islamabad mosque bombing?
Authorities confirmed that at least 31 people died in the attack. Officials also reported that nearly 170 individuals sustained injuries, with several listed in critical condition.
- Where did the Islamabad mosque explosion take place?
The blast occurred at a Shiite mosque located in the Tarlai Kalan area on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. The area was immediately cordoned off by security forces following the explosion.
- Who was responsible for the Islamabad mosque attack?
No group has officially claimed responsibility for the bombing so far. Pakistani security agencies are investigating possible links to militant organizations known for previous sectarian attacks.
- What was the government’s response to the mosque bombing?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Authorities increased security across Islamabad and launched an investigation into the incident.
- How did authorities respond after the explosion?
Emergency services transported the injured to hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Hospitals declared emergency measures, and blood donation appeals were issued. Security personnel sealed off the site for forensic examination.
- Has Islamabad experienced similar attacks before?
Islamabad has faced militant attacks in the past, though such large-scale incidents are relatively rare in recent years. Shiite communities in Pakistan have previously been targeted in sectarian violence.
