ISIS-Linked Suicide Blast In Islamabad Mosque Kills 69, Over 170 Injured

A suicide bombing inside a Shia mosque in Pakistan's capital Islamabad has left at least 69 people dead and more than 170 injured, with an affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS) claiming responsibility for the deadly attack.

The blast, which struck during Friday prayers, is among the worst terror incidents in the city in years and has sparked widespread condemnation both within Pakistan and internationally.

Authorities say the suspected bomber has been identified and the alleged mastermind behind the attack has been arrested in overnight raids. Several other suspects, including relatives of the attacker, have also been detained as investigations intensify.

Deadly Blast Inside Mosque During Friday Prayers

The explosion took place at the Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra imambargah in Islamabad's Tarlai area, where worshippers had gathered for weekly Friday prayers. Officials said the suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the shrine, causing massive casualties and chaos.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene soon after the blast, launching rescue operations and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise further as many of the wounded remain in critical condition.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and devastation inside the mosque. Visuals from the site showed shattered glass, scattered belongings and worshippers lying injured amid debris. The powerful explosion brought prayers to a sudden halt, leaving the community in shock.

The Islamic State affiliate that claimed responsibility described Pakistani Shiites as legitimate targets, alleging they supported militias fighting the group in Syria. Security agencies are continuing to investigate the network behind the attack.

Arrests Made as Leaders Condemn Attack

Pakistan's leadership strongly condemned the bombing and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a full investigation, stating that all individuals involved would be identified and punished. President Asif Ali Zardari called the incident a "crime against humanity" and expressed solidarity with the victims' families.

The attack also drew condemnation from the international community, including the United States, Russia and the European Union, with messages of sympathy and support pouring in for Pakistan.

Officials confirmed that multiple suspects were detained during overnight raids linked to the investigation, and a police officer was killed during one of the operations. According to local reports, an Afghan national believed to have ties with ISIS has been arrested for allegedly masterminding the attack.

Regional Tensions Rise Over Terror Links

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said the bombing highlighted the threat posed by militants allegedly operating from Afghanistan and capable of striking inside Pakistan's capital. He claimed the attack demonstrated cross-border planning that posed risks to regional security.

The remarks drew a sharp response from Afghanistan's Taliban-led government. Kabul condemned the mosque bombing but rejected suggestions that the attack was linked to Afghanistan, calling such statements irresponsible. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harbouring militant groups, a claim denied by Taliban authorities.

The Islamabad mosque bombing is one of the deadliest attacks in the capital since the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing that killed dozens. It has once again raised concerns about the threat of terrorism and the safety of civilians in Pakistan's urban centres.