A powerful bomb explosion struck a Shia religious centre on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Friday. At least 31 people lost their lives and more than 150 others suffered injuries. Many of the wounded were reported to be in critical condition.

Officials said the explosion took place during Friday prayers and was believed to be a suicide attack. Islamabad police confirmed it was an act of terrorism and launched a detailed investigation.

Attacker Stopped at Gate Before Explosion

Two police officials told Reuters that security guards stopped the suspected attacker at the entrance of the mosque. Moments later, he detonated the bomb.

Eyewitnesses shared more details about the sequence of events. According to Geo News, the attacker first opened fire and then moved towards the main gate. The main entrance is about 30 metres away from the imambargah’s gate. When guards tried to stop him, an exchange of fire broke out. The attacker then ran nearly 20 metres inside the premises while prayers were ongoing and blew himself up.

Death Toll Rose Rapidly

The number of casualties increased quickly after the incident. Initial reports said 10 people had died, but the figure later climbed to 31, according to Dawn.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon and police officials confirmed that it was a planned attack and said an investigation was underway.

No Group Claims Responsibility Yet

No organisation immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, suspicion is likely to fall on militant groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Islamic State group. Both have been linked to previous attacks on Shia worshippers, who are a minority in Pakistan. Militants have often targeted both security forces and civilians across the country.

In a similar incident in November, a suicide bomber attacked outside a court in Islamabad and killed 12 people.

Leaders Condemn Attack

Pakistan’s top leadership strongly condemned the blast. President Asif Ali Zardari called the targeting of innocent people a “crime against humanity” and said the country stands with the victims’ families.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief and said he had ordered a full investigation. He stressed that those responsible must be found and punished.

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

Attack During Foreign Visit

The explosion happened while Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was on a two-day official visit to Pakistan. At the time of the blast, he was attending an event with Prime Minister Sharif in Islamabad. The venue was located several miles away from the attack site.

Rising Violence in Pakistan

This attack came just days after a series of violent incidents in Balochistan province. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) had carried out multiple attacks there, killing around 50 people. In response, security forces reportedly killed more than 200 “terrorists,” according to the military.