Islamabad: The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a devastating attack on a mosque in Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths of 31 people. Gunmen launched an assault on civilians outside a Shia mosque in Islamabad on Friday before a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device, marking the deadliest attack in the capital in over a decade.
According to Thai News Agency, the Islamic State (ISIS) released a statement via the Telegram messaging app claiming responsibility for the attack. The extremist group also circulated an image purportedly showing the attacker armed and with his face obscured. The explosion occurred after security personnel intercepted an attacker attempting to breach the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah building on the outskirts of Islamabad. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire followed by an explosion shortly after the commencement of prayers.
Officials reported that over 170 individuals sustained injuries in the blast. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif communicated through the X platform that the suicide bomber detonated the explosive at the rear of the congregation. He further alleged that the attacker had traveled to Afghanistan and accused India of sponsoring the attack. However, no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims.
In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and dismissed Pakistan's accusations as unfounded. The Ministry expressed regret that Pakistan was attributing blame to external parties instead of addressing its own internal challenges. The incident has been identified as the most lethal in Islamabad by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) in over ten years.