The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that targeted a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, killing several people and injuring many others, authorities confirmed on Friday. The attack has renewed concerns over militant activity in urban centres despite heightened security measures across the country.
According to Pakistani officials, the blast occurred inside the mosque complex during prayer time, triggering panic among worshippers. Emergency services rushed to the scene as police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation in the surrounding neighbourhoods. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, where several were reported to be in critical condition.
In a statement circulated through its affiliated media channels, the Islamic State said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives amid worshippers. Pakistani authorities have not officially commented on the group’s claim but confirmed that the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
Senior police officials said initial findings indicate the attacker entered the mosque shortly before the explosion. Security agencies are examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence to identify possible facilitators and determine whether there were intelligence lapses ahead of the attack.
The bombing has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders and religious organisations, who described the targeting of a place of worship as a “cowardly and inhuman act”. The Interior Ministry said security protocols would be reviewed, particularly around mosques and public gathering points in the federal capital.
Militant violence has seen a resurgence in parts of Pakistan over the past year, with extremist groups increasingly attempting to stage high-impact attacks to assert relevance. Analysts note that while Islamabad has largely been insulated from such incidents compared to other regions, the attack underscores the persistent threat posed by transnational terror outfits.
For readers of Deshwale, security experts say the incident highlights the evolving nature of militant operations, with attackers focusing on symbolic and civilian locations to generate fear and media attention. They stress the need for improved intelligence coordination and community-level vigilance to prevent similar attacks.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities promising swift action against those responsible. Meanwhile, hospitals in Islamabad remain on alert as families of victims await further updates
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