The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for Friday’s deadly explosion at a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
The blast occurred during prayers at the Shia mosque in the afternoon. Local authorities say at least 31 people were killed and 169 were wounded.
Police are investigating the incident as a possible suicide bombing.
Islamic State issued a statement on Saturday. It said guards stopped one of its fighters as he tried to enter the mosque, and he detonated his explosive vest at a spot where people gathered for the prayers.
Pakistan has recently seen a series of terrorist attacks carried out by militants that targeted military and police facilities near its border with Afghanistan.
In November 2025, a suicide bombing near a court in Islamabad left 12 people dead despite the capital’s tight security.
