A devastating explosion struck a Shi’ite Muslim mosque in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad during Friday prayers, resulting in 11 fatalities and leaving 20 individuals wounded, according to police sources. The blast occurred at approximately 2:09 PM local time on February 6, 2026, when the mosque was filled with worshippers engaged in weekly congregational prayers.
Police official Zafar Iqbal confirmed the tragic incident, stating that emergency services had transported numerous casualties to nearby medical facilities. “We have shifted several people to hospitals. I can’t say how many are dead at this moment, but yes people have died,” Iqbal reported from the scene.
Law enforcement authorities have cordoned off the area as investigation teams work to determine the nature and cause of the explosion. A police spokesman indicated that the specific type of explosive device used in the attack remains unclear at this preliminary stage of the investigation.
This incident marks another concerning episode in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with sectarian violence, particularly targeting religious minorities. The attack on a Shi’ite place of worship during Friday prayers—the most attended weekly religious gathering—suggests deliberate timing to maximize casualties.
International news agencies including AFP and Reuters have deployed correspondents to cover the developing situation, while Pakistani security forces have intensified their presence throughout the capital region. The government has yet to release an official statement regarding responsibility for the attack or potential security measures in response to this tragedy.