ISLAMABAD: 36* namazis lost their lives, while 170 got injured when a suicide bomber detonated his IED-laden jacket outside Khadija-tul-Kubra Imambargah (mosque for Shia Muslims situated in the Tarlai area of the city) in the outskirts of the Capital as Namaz-e-Jumma was just starting (on 6th February, 2026).
(* It is pertinent to mention here that 6th Feb, 2026 attack in Islamabad, that claimed lives of 36 people, was the deadliest in decades. Before that 60 people died when a suicide bomber driving a truck, laden with explosives, rammed into Marriott Hotel in the month of Sept, 2008).
There was an exchange of fire between the suicide bomber and volunteers taking care of security. When the bomber attempted to enter the main hall of the Khadija-tul-kubra Mosque, one of the wounded volunteers shot him in the thigh. Failing to go inside, the attacker exploded himself, heavily damaging the gate. The powerful blast also shattered the windows of nearby batiments.
According to Pakistani security agencies the suicide bomber has been identified as an Afghan militant belonging to TTP, who was trained in Kunur. Nevertheless, taking to the X, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesman for Afghanistan’s Taliban-run MoFA, denied the claim: “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-MoFA condemns the explosion that occurred during Friday prayers at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, resulting in casualties among many worshippers.
“The Islamic Emirate considers attacks that violate the sanctity of mosques & sacred religious rites & target worshippers & civilians, to be in contradiction to Islamic & humanitarian values, & hence condemns them in the strongest terms. IEA-MoFA extends its condolences to the families of the victims & wishes a swift recovery to those injured,” Balkhi stated.
US chargé d’affaires Natalie A. Baker has stated, “the United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Islamabad that left innocent worshippers dead and injured. We condemn all acts of terror and violence, including this attack. On behalf of the United States, I offer our sincere condolences to those injured and to the families and loved ones of those killed by this attack.
“Acts of terror and violence against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable. The people of Pakistan deserve safety, dignity, and the ability to practice their faith without fear. The United States continues to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance peace and security and remains committed to our partnership aimed at promoting stability. We stand with Pakistan during this challenging moment.”
UN Secretary General António Guterres took to the X to state: “I condemn in the strongest terms today’s attack on worshippers gathered at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. Attacks against civilians & places of worship are unacceptable. Those responsible must be identified & brought to justice.”
Blast took place following the 3-day Balochistan Operation: On 5th Feb, 2026 ISPR had proclaimed that Balochistan operation against militants, that commenced on 29th January in Panjgur and Harnai had concluded. According to ISPR through planning, intelligence, and joint execution IBOs were carried out that claimed lives of 216 BLA Militants whose Sleeper Cells were dismantled by means of sustained combing of the area.
216 militants belonging to banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), who had launched a coordinated bomb and gun attacks at a dozen locations on 31st Jan, 2026, had been eliminated by Pakistani security forces. The massive assaults by militants claimed lives of 36 civilians (including five women) and 22 members of security forces. In order to contain BLA onslaughts local government had imposed section 144 in the Province. According to details use of face covering at public places has also been banned.
CM Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti, who claimed that BLA militants failed to take hostages, according to their plans, as they were stopped from entering the city centre, stated: “We had intelligence reports that this kind of operation was being planned, and as a result of those, we started pre-operations a day before.”
Attacks on Pakistani targets have increased in the recent past (particularly in KP and Balochistan). Security Forces here too have been retaliating sans respite. For instance, miscreants have once again attacked the Jaffar Express train by detonating an IED fitted on the railway track between Sultankot and Jacobabad in the province of Sindh on 26th Jan, 2026 night.
According to details Quetta-bound Jaffar Express train originated from Peshawar. The bomb blast derailed it on the track between Sindh and Balochistan. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries have been reported. Nevertheless, the explosion damaged the track. During 2025 too Jaffar Express had been attacked by outlawed BLA members a number of times.
BLA’s Gul Rehman (aka Ustad Mureed), mastermind of Jaffar Express attack, had been neutralised in Afghanistan on 17th September. BLA, during the attack on the Jaffar Express in the second week of March, blew up train tracks and held over 440 passengers hostage in a day-long standoff with security services in a remote mountain pass in the Bolan district.
While UN SG called for the immediate release of the hostages, US strongly condemned the hijacking of Jaffar Express (en route Quetta to Peshawar) harboring 440 voyagers (including soldiers going back to Peshawar in order to spend remaining Ramazan and Eid-ul-Fitr with their families): “We strongly condemn the attack on the Jaffar Express train and the hostage-taking of passengers in Kacchi, Balochistan claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a US-Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific act. The Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear. The United States will remain a steadfast partner of Pakistan in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens. We stand in solidarity with Pakistan during this difficult time.” Jaffar Express, plying from Peshawar to Quetta on 28th July, collided with a planted bomb near Shikarpur, three coaches derailed, one voyager got injured, due to the resultant blast.
Newspakistan.tv
