A tragic suicide bombing occurred at the Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatulo Kubros mosque in Islamabad, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 individuals and injuring many others, with fears that the death toll may rise. The incident took place during the busy Friday prayers, a time when mosques across the country were filled with worshippers. Authorities reported that the assailant was stopped at the mosque gates before detonating his explosives, leading to a significant loss of life and injuries among congregants.

The Islamic State has publicly claimed that one of its fighters was responsible for the attack, asserting responsibility through the monitoring organization SITE Intelligence Group. This claim suggests a continued threat from the group within Pakistan, reflecting their intent to target places of worship and exacerbate sectarian tensions. Security sources have indicated the severity of the attack, which underscores the challenges faced by Pakistani law enforcement in preventing such incidents, especially during religious gatherings.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this heinous act, signaling a governmental commitment to address rising extremism and ensure the safety of citizens. This bombing marks the deadliest incident in Islamabad since 2008, when a truck bomb exploded near a five-star hotel, echoing concerns about security in the region and the resurgence of militant activities that threaten peace and stability in Pakistan.