Islamabad Mosque Tragedy: Global Solidarity Pours in for Pakistan

A suicide bomber attacked the Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque in Islamabad's Tarlai Kalan area during Friday prayers on February 6, 2026. The blast killed at least 31 people and injured 169 others, according to Al Jazeera. The attack targeted a Shia place of worship in southeastern Islamabad when the mosque was crowded with worshippers.

Television footage showed broken glass and debris scattered across the scene. Security guards stopped the attacker at the entrance, but he opened fire before detonating his explosives, according to security officials who spoke to Al Jazeera.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said preliminary findings suggest the attacker had been traveling between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Local resident Aun Shah told Al Jazeera his father was among the seriously injured.

International Response to Islamabad Attack

World leaders and diplomatic missions sent condolences to Pakistan following the attack. Several countries issued official statements condemning the violence.

Mark Carney, Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, expressed support for those affected.

The Swiss Ambassador to Pakistan offered sympathies to the bereaved families through official channels.

Saudi Arabian Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki condemned the attack on the place of worship.

The United States Department of State, through its South and Central Asian Affairs bureau, issued a formal statement supporting Pakistan's security efforts.

The Russian Embassy in Pakistan called for collective action against such incidents.

The official account for the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia shared a message of solidarity with Pakistan.

UK Ambassador Jane Marriott described the violence as "abhorrent," according to Al Jazeera.

The European Union Delegation in Pakistan offered condolences to the victims' families.

UAE Condemns Islamabad Mosque Attack

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting the mosque in Islamabad, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UAE expressed its strong condemnation of the criminal act and reiterated its firm rejection of all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism that aim to undermine security and stability.

The Ministry offered sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims, and to the government and people of Pakistan, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. The statement reinforced the UAE's longstanding position against terrorism in all its forms.

Security Response and Pakistan Investigation

Security agencies are investigating who carried out the attack. No group has claimed responsibility, Al Jazeera reported.

Shia leader Raja Abbas Nasir called the incident a serious security failure and questioned law enforcement's effectiveness in protecting citizens.

The government has pledged to bring those responsible to justice. Security has been increased at all city entry points and around other mosques. Authorities have asked the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.

A suicide bomber killed 12 people at the Islamabad District Judicial Complex in November 2025. The latest attack has raised fresh concerns about security in the capital, which is typically heavily guarded and experiences fewer attacks than Pakistan's northwestern and southwestern regions.

Hospitals in Islamabad, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, treated the injured. Some victims remain in critical condition, hospital sources said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the interior minister and ordered a full investigation. Sharif vowed that those responsible would face justice and stated that no one would be allowed to spread hatred and insecurity in Pakistan.

The Tarlai Kalan area has been cordoned off while forensic teams collect evidence from the blast site. Police are reviewing security camera footage and conducting witness interviews as part of the investigation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Response

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the international support Pakistan received following the February 6 suicide attack at Islamabad's Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque. In a statement posted on social media, the Prime Minister acknowledged the strong messages of sympathy from across the globe, emphasizing that support from friends and partners remains critical to Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts.

"The perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice with full force and their nefarious designs will never be allowed to succeed," Sharif declared. He reinforced that the brave Pakistani nation stands united during this difficult time and remains fully committed to the resolve of defeating terrorism, as the country has consistently demonstrated throughout its history of combating extremist violence.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's Response

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced the immediate cancellation of all Basant-related activities scheduled for February 7 in the wake of the Islamabad tragedy. The mega Basant show planned for Liberty Square in Lahore was also cancelled as a mark of respect for the victims. In her social media statement, Maryam Nawaz called for national unity against extremist elements, urging the nation to show no mercy to those responsible and to stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan's Armed Forces in defense of the country.

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