Suicide Blast at Shia Centre Near Islamabad Kills 31, Injures Over 150

At least 31 people were killed and more than 150 injured after a powerful bomb blast ripped through a Shia religious centre on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Friday, authorities said.

The explosion, believed to be a suicide attack, occurred during Friday prayers when the facility was crowded with worshippers. Police confirmed that the incident was a deliberate attack and said a detailed investigation is underway. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

According to two police officials cited by Reuters, the attacker was stopped at the mosque’s gate before detonating the explosives.

Eyewitnesses told Geo News that the assailant first opened fire after being challenged by security guards and then forced his way inside. He reportedly ran around 20 metres into the building before blowing himself up while prayers were in progress.

The death toll initially stood at 10 but rose steadily as rescue teams recovered more bodies and hospitals confirmed fatalities. According to Dawn, the toll has now reached 31.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon and senior police officials said security agencies are examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence to identify those responsible.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicion is likely to fall on militant organisations such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Islamic State group, both of which have previously targeted Shiite communities in Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing in separate statements and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Zardari called the attack a “crime against humanity,” while Sharif ordered a full investigation and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also denounced the attack and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

The blast took place while Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was on an official two-day visit to Pakistan and attending an event with Prime Minister Sharif in Islamabad. Officials said the venue was several kilometres away from the attack site.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns following recent attacks in Balochistan, where the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army carried out coordinated assaults last week, killing about 50 people. The military said more than 200 militants were later killed in counter-operations.