The Islamic State has officially claimed responsibility for a devastating suicide bombing that occurred in a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing at least 31 people and injuring 169 others. The attack took place during a time when mosques across the country were filled with worshippers following Friday prayers. According to reports, the assailant managed to reach the internal gates of the temple before detonating his explosives among a gathering of Shia believers, highlighting the sectarian violence affecting the region.

This explosion underscores the escalating challenges faced by Pakistani security forces, who are currently engaged in combating intensifying insurgencies in both southern and northern provinces bordering Afghanistan. The attack comes amid increasing concerns over security as Pakistan continues to grapple with extremist violence. A high-ranking police official indicated that the attacker was stopped at the gates of the mosque but was able to detonate himself, resulting in a tragic loss of life during a moment of religious observance.

In response to the tragic incident, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. This horrific incident not only raises alarm over the safety of religious gatherings but also highlights the ongoing sectarian divide in Pakistan, where the Shia minority, making up 10 to 15 percent of the population, often faces persecution from radical Sunni groups.