A suicide bombing struck a mosque in Islamabad, killing at least 31 people and injuring 169 during Friday prayers, according to officials. The explosion happened at a time when the mosque was crowded with worshippers.
Police said the attacker was stopped at the entrance to the mosque before detonating the device. Emergency services rushed the injured to hospitals across the city, where doctors treated large numbers of victims. Several of those wounded were reported to be in critical condition.
Senior leaders in Pakistan strongly condemned the attack. The prime minister and president expressed deep grief, offered condolences to the families of those killed, and directed authorities to ensure full medical care for the injured. Police confirmed that a formal investigation has begun.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. Militant groups have previously carried out attacks against Shiite worshippers, who are a minority in Pakistan. Although such attacks are rare in the heavily guarded capital, the country has experienced a renewed wave of militant violence in recent years, including earlier deadly incidents in Islamabad and other regions.
The situation remains under investigation as officials continue to assess the attack and its aftermath.