Just as worshippers had begun Friday prayers, a devastating explosion ripped through the premises of a Shia mosque, Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra,  in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, leaving behind scenes of chaos, bloodshed, and panic.

Initial reports suggest the suicide attacker attempted to enter the mosque during congregational prayers. However, security personnel stationed at the entrance intercepted him, forcing the assailant to open fire before detonating the explosives at the main gate, leaving scores dead and injured.

Speaking to The Khorasan Diary, a senior security official confirmed that at least 34 people were killed, while 101 others sustained injuries. The official warned that the death toll could rise as several of the wounded remain in critical condition. Authorities have declared an emergency at PIMS, Polyclinic, and CDA Hospital to manage the influx of casualties.

Assistant Commissioners have been deployed at various hospitals to oversee treatment and coordinate emergency response efforts, while law enforcement agencies have completely sealed off the blast site.

Visuals obtained by The Khorasan Diary reveal the grim aftermath of the attack, including scattered debris, damaged infrastructure, and the mutilated remains of the attacker lying outside the mosque, highlighting the scale of the devastation.

Reacting to the incident, the Government of Iran strongly condemned the attack in Islamabad, which it said “led to the martyrdom and injury of tens of innocent civilians,” according to a statement issued by Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam.

“I extend my sincere and deepest condolences and sympathy to the Government and the people of Pakistan, particularly to the bereaved families,” the statement added.

Speaking to the media, Shia cleric Basharat Imami described the incident as a tragic act of terrorism, revealing that the cousin of the provincial Inspector General of Police was among those killed. He added that the IG personally lifted the victim’s body with his own hands, while the victim’s father was also present at the site and sustained injuries.

“He was their only son,” Imami said.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of filing this report, the modus operandi and sectarian targeting bear similarities to past attacks attributed to Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the perpetrators.

This is a developing story…