Deadly Bombing Hits Mosque in Islamabad During Friday Prayers
A powerful explosion struck a mosque in Pakistan’s capital during Friday prayers, killing at least 30 people and wounding more than 130 others, police said.
Pakistan | PUREWILAYAH.COM - An explosion struck a Shia mosque in Islamabad during Friday prayers, killing at least 30 people and injuring more than 130 others, according to Pakistani police.
Police said the blast occurred while worshippers were gathered for prayers, resulting in heavy casualties. Initial reports indicate that dozens were wounded, with emergency teams transferring victims to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A police official, Zafar Iqbal, said investigations are ongoing to determine the nature of the explosion, adding that authorities have not yet established whether the attack involved a suicide bomber or another explosive device.
Security Concerns and Militant Threats
Islamabad has previously witnessed deadly bombings targeting civilians, with several attacks attributed to militant groups.
Pakistani authorities have repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing militants to plan and launch attacks from Afghan territory—claims that Kabul has denied, characterizing the violence as an internal Pakistani issue.
The roots of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan trace back to December 2007, when a group of field commanders from Pashtun tribes announced the formation of the movement. Since then, the group has been blamed for a series of deadly attacks across Pakistan.
Earlier Attack in Northwest Pakistan
The Islamabad bombing follows another deadly incident earlier this year. In January, a wedding ceremony in northwest Pakistan was targeted by a suicide bombing, killing seven people.
The attack occurred in Dera Ismail Khan, near the border with Afghanistan, striking a building where members of so-called peace committees were gathered during the event.
Pakistani authorities again accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks—an allegation Kabul continues to reject.
Security forces have increased measures in the capital as investigations into Friday’s mosque bombing continue. (PW)