Full story
Islamabad mosque attack
A powerful blast struck the Khadijatul Kubra (Khadija Tul Kubra) Shia mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai/Tarlai Kalan area during Friday prayers on Feb. 6, 2026.
“An apparent suicide attack struck the Khadija Tul Kubra Shia mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan area during Friday prayers, killing at least 31 people and wounding dozens.”
Multiple outlets report the attacker was stopped at the mosque gate and detonated an explosive.
Casualty figures vary across reports, with several outlets saying at least 31 people were killed and scores injured.
Other outlets reported lower initial counts.
Authorities sealed off the area while rescue teams and security forces conducted evacuations.
Hospitals in the capital declared emergencies to treat the wounded.
No group immediately claimed responsibility and officials said investigations were underway.
Mosque attack response
Officials described the blast as an apparent suicide attack detonated at the mosque gate after the attacker was stopped from entering.
Police and emergency services sealed off nearby neighborhoods and placed Islamabad hospitals on full alert.
Rescue 1122 and other teams carried out evacuations and treatment.
Pakistan's political leadership condemned the attack and ordered full medical support for victims.
Variation in media casualty reporting
Media reporting showed notable variation in casualty totals and the level of graphic detail.
“Press TV report initially cited 11 dead and 20 wounded, a police source told AFP at least 30 had died and more than 130 were injured, and the Islamabad administration said 169 people were taken to hospitals. Images from the scene showed bodies inside the mosque and wounded worshippers outside as bystanders sought help.”
Some outlets published higher, consolidated figures and described scenes at hospitals and bodies at the mosque, while others used preliminary official tallies with lower numbers.
PressTV cited a range of early counts (11, 30, 169 taken to hospitals) and published images of the scene, whereas outlets such as The Economic Times and Tempo.co reported smaller immediate totals in their initial summaries.
Context of Islamabad attack
Several outlets placed the attack in context as part of a recent spate of violence in Islamabad.
ABP Live and UdaipurTimes noted the blast 'echoes' a November 11, 2025 suicide attack that killed 12 and injured more than 30.
Daily Excelsior and Awaz said this strike came less than three months after another suicide blast in the capital.
Pakistani leaders condemned the assault.
Investigators are seeking further evidence about the perpetrator and possible links to militant groups.
Media reactions and investigation
International and local reactions were reported unevenly across outlets: PressTV documented condemnations from Pakistan’s prime minister and president and noted Iran’s ambassador offered condolences; local outlets repeated official denunciations and appeals for blood donations and medical support.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “deep grief” and President Asif Ali Zardari called targeting civilians “a crime against humanity,” directing that full medical support be provided. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan also offered condolences.”
Some mainstream outlets presented the story as a brief item amid other headlines, reflecting different editorial priorities and audiences.
&w=1920&q=75)
At the time of reporting, no group had claimed responsibility and investigators continued to probe the attacker’s identity and motives.