A devastating suicide attack carried out by Islamic terrorists shook the Shia mosque Khadija Tul Kubra (also known as Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra) this Friday, located in the Tarlai Kalan area, on the southeastern outskirts of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
The attack occurred during the collective Friday prayers (Jumu'ah), when hundreds of worshippers were gathered at the site. According to local and police authorities, the striker, a suicide terrorist, was initially intercepted at the entrance by security guards.
Despite this, he managed to open fire on them and detonated his explosive vest inside the mosque, causing a powerful explosion that was felt several kilometers away. The preliminary official toll reports at least 31 dead (some sources raise the figure to 32, including possible additional victims) and more than 169 injured, several of them in critical condition.
Authorities fear that the number of dead will increase in the coming hours or days due to the severity of the injuries. Eyewitnesses described scenes of absolute chaos: bodies lying on the prayer rugs, cries for help, blood everywhere, and human remains scattered around.
A survivor reported having heard gunshots immediately followed by the detonation. Another witness recounted that the striker blew himself up in one of the last rows of worshippers. Images shared on social media and by local outlets showed police officers and residents hurriedly transporting the injured to nearby hospitals, while urgent blood donations were being requested.
The Islamic State group (ISIS), through its branch in the province of Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack on its Telegram channel. According to the statement monitored by SITE Intelligence Group, the militant opened fire on the guards before detonating the explosive, specifically targeting the Shia congregation, which is considered heretical by Sunni extremists.
