Twin blasts targeting the Khadija al-Kubra Imam Bargah mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, during midday Friday prayers on 6 February 2026 killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 160 others, officials and local leaders say.
The explosion took place in the Tarlai Kalan area of Shehzad Town in Islamabad as worshipers had gathered for weekly congregational prayers. Preliminary reports suggest the blast was caused by a suicide bomber, who triggered explosives near the entrance of the mosque, creating panic and chaos as medics and rescue workers descended on the scene.
Chaos and Casualties at the Scene
Dozens of worshippers were wounded by the blast, and bodies and debris lay on the inside and around the grounds, according to police and hospital officials. A large number of the wounded were taken to major hospitals, where emergency medical treatment and operations are being carried out.
Security forces and rescue teams were dispatched soon after the explosion, cordon off the area and initiate investigation into the reason of attack and its modalities. The death and injury toll is likely to increase as patients continue to be evacuated from the site of the attack.
Public and Official Response
Pakistani government has denounced the attack. Officials condemned for the deaths of casualties and called for an all-out investigation into the reasons behind such a catastrophic attack. National security authorities are looking at CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders called it a “terrorist act” and said they would bring those responsible to justice. Hospitals in Islamabad called for a medical emergency and asked for blood donations to treat scores of the wounded.
Also Read: Alphabet Won’t Talk About Apple AI Partnership as Tech Giants’ Feud Heats Up
Sectarian Violence Concerns
Heavy security Islamabad has a reputation of relative security because of the presence of troops and police. Yet in recent years, militant violence has claimed both security forces and minority groups across Pakistan. Shi’ite shrines have suffered such attacks in the past, and this blast underscores concerns of growing sectarian violence.
Security analysts observe that past attacks of this nature have been perpetrated by the likes of terrorist organizations like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State-Khorasan, but no group has yet claimed any responsibility for Tuesday’s blast. Islamabad authorities have arranged investigation teams to ascertain the precise details of the attack — such as how the bomber got through security and if a specific mosque was targeted. The authorities have stepped up security at religious and other public sites in the major towns to avert further incidents.
