Islamabad Shia Mosque Suicide Bombing Kills 10-12, Dozens Injured
A devastating suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad's Shehzad Town on February 6, 2026, during Friday prayers, has claimed the lives of at least 10 to 12 worshippers and left over 80 injured. The attacker was reportedly intercepted at the gate, preventing further casualties inside the main prayer hall.
Key Highlights
- Suicide bomber struck a Shia mosque in Islamabad during Friday prayers.
- Attack occurred in Shehzad Town area, resulting in 10-12 fatalities.
- Over 80 people sustained injuries, with some in critical condition.
- Bomber was stopped at the gate, averting potentially higher casualties.
- No immediate claim of responsibility; TTP or IS suspected.
- Emergency declared in Islamabad hospitals for the wounded.
A suicide bombing ripped through a Shia mosque in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on Friday, February 6, 2026, during afternoon prayers, killing at least 10 to 12 worshippers and injuring over 80 others. The attack occurred at the Khadijatul Kubra mosque, also known as Tarlai Imambargah, located in the Shehzad Town area on the outskirts of Islamabad.
Police and rescue officials quickly responded to the scene, transporting the injured to various hospitals across the city. A state of emergency was immediately imposed in all major hospitals, including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital, to ensure the provision of the best possible medical care for the wounded, many of whom are in critical condition.
Initial reports from security officials indicate that the suicide bomber detonated explosives at the main gate of the mosque. Alert guards at the entrance reportedly stopped the assailant, preventing them from entering the main prayer hall where a large congregation had gathered for Friday prayers. This interception is believed to have significantly reduced the number of casualties that could have resulted had the bomber reached further inside the crowded worship area.
Television footage and social media images from the site showed thick black smoke rising, debris scattered around the entrance, and shattered windows of nearby buildings, underscoring the intensity of the blast. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, reiterating the government's commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and urging authorities to provide comprehensive medical support to the victims. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also denounced the "cowardly act" and stressed national unity against terrorism.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the devastating explosion. However, suspicion has quickly fallen on militant organizations such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, or the Islamic State group (IS). Both groups have a history of targeting Shia worshippers, who are a minority community in Pakistan, and carrying out attacks against civilians and security forces across the country.
This attack marks the latest in a series of security challenges faced by Pakistan. In November 2025, a suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad claimed 12 lives. Furthermore, just a week prior to this mosque bombing, the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army carried out multiple attacks in the insurgency-hit southwestern Balochistan province, resulting in the deaths of approximately 50 people, with security forces killing over 200 'terrorists' in response. The recurring acts of violence highlight the persistent threat of militancy and terrorism in Pakistan, posing significant challenges to national security and stability. The international community, including India, closely monitors such developments due to their potential regional implications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Islamabad on February 6, 2026?
On Friday, February 6, 2026, a suicide bomber attacked a Shia mosque (Khadijatul Kubra mosque/Tarlai Imambargah) in the Shehzad Town area of Islamabad, Pakistan, during afternoon prayers.
How many casualties were reported from the Islamabad mosque blast?
The attack resulted in at least 10 to 12 fatalities and left over 80 people injured, with several victims in critical condition.
Who is responsible for the Islamabad mosque attack?
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, militant organizations like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Islamic State (IS) group are suspected, given their history of targeting Shia communities and carrying out similar attacks in Pakistan.
What was the government's response to the attack?
Pakistan's Interior Minister condemned the attack, and a state of emergency was declared in major hospitals across Islamabad to provide immediate medical attention to the wounded.
Is this a common occurrence in Pakistan?
Unfortunately, Pakistan has faced a persistent threat from militant groups. This attack follows other recent security incidents, including a suicide bombing outside an Islamabad court in November 2025 and attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army in Balochistan.
