Suicide bombing at Islamabad mosque: at least 50 feared dead, more than 70 injured

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Pakistan's capital Islamabad was shaken by a horrific terrorist attack during Friday prayers today. A powerful bomb blast at a prominent mosque in the Taralai area has created chaos. According to initial reports and eyewitnesses, more than 50 people are feared dead in this attack, while more than 70 people have been seriously injured. The number of casualties is so high due to the huge crowd of worshippers in the mosque. However, the Pakistan government has so far officially confirmed the death of 12 people.

The attacker blew himself up when stopped at the gate

This horrific incident took place at the Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra Mosque, considered the largest mosque for the Shia community. Around 1 p.m., as people were gathering for prayers, a suicide bomber arrived. According to police sources, the bomber attempted to enter the mosque's main hall but was stopped by security personnel at the gate. As he was being searched, the suspect detonated his bomb. The explosion was so powerful that body parts of those present were scattered, and the entire area was in chaos.

TTP suspected, emergency in hospitals

Following the blast, Islamabad was put on high alert and the administration declared a state of emergency. The injured were rushed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIM) and CDA Hospital, where the condition of several remains critical. Islamabad police say the suicide bomber may have links to Afghanistan and suspect the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was behind the attack. However, no organization has yet officially claimed responsibility. Police and the army have taken charge of the scene, sealing off the entire area and conducting a search operation.

The Shia community was the target, the second major attack in three months

The mosque that was targeted belongs to the Shia community, making it clear that the attackers were targeting a particular community. The Shia population in Pakistan constitutes approximately 10 to 12 percent of the total population and is often targeted by terrorist organizations. Serious questions have also been raised about the security arrangements in the capital, Islamabad, as this is the second major blast in the city since November 2025. Previously, in November 2025, an explosion outside an Islamabad court killed 12 people and injured 36. The TTP was also said to be behind that attack.