Pakistani capital Islamabad mourns as Shia mosque blast leaves trail of death and destruction.
At least 31 people have lost their lives after a devastating explosion ripped through a Shia mosque on the outskirts of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. The blast occurred during Friday prayers, leaving over 169 others injured, many in critical condition. The scene was described by witnesses as "chaotic" with bodies scattered across the carpeted floor of the mosque.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and then rushing into the mosque to find many of those praying were screaming for help. Hussain Shah, who was among those praying, said he counted around 30 bodies inside the mosque while others reported seeing people's heads and limbs severed from their bodies.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of a growing wave of militant violence in Pakistan. The country has seen an increase in attacks by Baloch separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.
Pakistan's president and prime minister have condemned the attack, with the president calling it a "crime against humanity" and vowing to identify and punish those responsible. Authorities are working to provide medical assistance to those injured, while also conducting an investigation into the cause of the blast.
The attack comes as Uzbekistan's president was attending an event in Islamabad at the time of the explosion. The city has seen several high-profile attacks in recent years, including a deadly bombing at the Marriott hotel in 2008 and a suicide bombing outside a court last November.
The latest incident is part of a broader trend of increasing violence in Pakistan, with many attributing it to the rise of militant groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Pakistani Taliban.
At least 31 people have lost their lives after a devastating explosion ripped through a Shia mosque on the outskirts of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. The blast occurred during Friday prayers, leaving over 169 others injured, many in critical condition. The scene was described by witnesses as "chaotic" with bodies scattered across the carpeted floor of the mosque.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and then rushing into the mosque to find many of those praying were screaming for help. Hussain Shah, who was among those praying, said he counted around 30 bodies inside the mosque while others reported seeing people's heads and limbs severed from their bodies.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is part of a growing wave of militant violence in Pakistan. The country has seen an increase in attacks by Baloch separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.
Pakistan's president and prime minister have condemned the attack, with the president calling it a "crime against humanity" and vowing to identify and punish those responsible. Authorities are working to provide medical assistance to those injured, while also conducting an investigation into the cause of the blast.
The attack comes as Uzbekistan's president was attending an event in Islamabad at the time of the explosion. The city has seen several high-profile attacks in recent years, including a deadly bombing at the Marriott hotel in 2008 and a suicide bombing outside a court last November.
The latest incident is part of a broader trend of increasing violence in Pakistan, with many attributing it to the rise of militant groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Pakistani Taliban.
... 31 people lost their lives and over 169 others injured, that's just devastating 
. The fact that the explosion occurred during Friday prayers, a time when most people are supposed to be peaceful and together, makes it even more tragic 
.
. The Islamic State claiming responsibility doesn't help, but I do think we need to look beyond just one group for answers 
. There are many factors at play here, from regional politics to socio-economic issues.
. It's getting harder for people to feel safe, and it's putting a huge strain on the authorities trying to keep everyone protected 
. I hope they can get to the bottom of this investigation and bring those responsible to justice 
.
the thought of so many people caught up in senseless violence & death is just devastating 
i can only imagine how scary it must've been for those inside the mosque, praying with their families on a friday afternoon 
. my heart goes out to the victims' loved ones & the entire community of Islamabad 
. we need more love & compassion in this world than hate & fear 
. let's come together as a global community to support each other & promote peace 
This is getting outta hand in Pakistan 
. 31+ dead & 169 injured... what's going on over there?! 
.
, but one can't help but wonder if more could be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place 
.
. Uzbekistan's president was even there for an event 
. can we pls jus have some peace in asia 4 a change?!
. and what about the uzbekistan president attending an event in Islamabad at the same time? is that just a coincidence, or are they getting cozy with the militant groups behind this attack? 
.
. pakistan is already dealing with so many issues, and now this? it's like they're being picked on by all these militant groups 
It's just not right.