Islamabad Mosque Blast: Suicide Bomber Kills 50 After Being Stopped at Gate During Friday Prayers

A devastating explosion at a Shi’ite mosque in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad left at least 50 people dead and more than 150 injured during Friday prayers, triggering widespread shock and grief. Authorities confirmed that the suspected suicide bomber was intercepted by security guards at the entrance of the religious complex before detonating the explosive device, preventing the attacker from reaching the crowded prayer hall.

The incident occurred at the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah, located in a semi-urban area on the outskirts of Islamabad. According to officials familiar with the situation, the guards’ intervention likely prevented an even greater tragedy, as hundreds of worshippers had gathered inside the mosque at the time of the attack. Despite the security response, the blast caused extensive casualties and significant damage to the surrounding area.

Eyewitness accounts and images from the site revealed scenes of chaos, with injured worshippers lying amid shattered glass and debris. Volunteers and emergency responders rushed to provide assistance, while authorities transported the wounded to hospitals across the city. Panic and confusion spread in the immediate aftermath, as families searched for missing relatives and officials worked to secure the area.

Public reaction intensified after local voices on social media alleged that national television networks were slow to report the scale of the tragedy. Some commentators criticised the continued broadcast of entertainment programmes during the crisis, sparking debate over media priorities in times of national emergency. As casualty figures increased, calls for transparent reporting and timely updates grew louder.

Government leaders condemned the attack, describing it as an act of terrorism and urging unity against violence. Political figures stressed that targeting worshippers in a place of prayer was an assault on humanity and national values. However, security officials cautioned that investigations were still underway and that it was too early to definitively determine all aspects of the incident.

Sectarian violence has historically posed challenges in Pakistan, where Shi’ite communities have faced repeated threats from extremist groups. Although Islamabad generally experiences fewer attacks due to heightened security measures, recent years have seen a resurgence of militant activity in different parts of the country. No organisation has officially claimed responsibility for the latest explosion so far.

The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of religious minorities and the broader security environment in the region. Analysts note that preventing such incidents requires sustained intelligence coordination, stronger security protocols, and community awareness initiatives. As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on providing medical care to the injured and supporting families affected by the tragedy.