Islamabad Mosque Bombing Kills Dozens, India and Afghanistan Reject Pakistan’s Claims

Islamabad was shaken on Friday after a suicide bomber attacked a crowded mosque during prayers. At least 69 people were killed and more than 170 were injured. The blast is one of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan in recent years.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals. Doctors worked for hours as hospitals struggled to handle the large number of victims.

Suicide Bomber Attacks During Prayers

Officials said the attacker entered the mosque and was stopped by security guards. Moments later, he set off explosives inside the prayer hall. Many worshippers were killed on the spot.

A Pakistan-based group linked to ISIL later claimed responsibility for the attack through social media.

Pakistan Links Attack to Afghanistan

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the attacker had links to Afghanistan. He claimed the bomber was moving between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pakistan has often accused militant groups of using Afghan soil to plan attacks. After the blast, Islamabad again pointed to possible cross-border involvement.

India Rejects Allegations Strongly

India quickly rejected Pakistan’s claims. In a statement, New Delhi condemned the bombing and expressed sympathy for the victims.

However, India said the accusations were “baseless.” It added that Pakistan should focus on its own internal problems instead of blaming others. India described the violence as the result of Pakistan’s “home-grown ills.”

Afghanistan Also Denies Claims

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government also denied Pakistan’s allegations. Kabul called the statements irresponsible and said they were made without proper investigation.

Afghan officials asked how attackers could be identified after attacks but not stopped before they happen. They said Pakistan must improve its own security instead of shifting blame.

Security Situation Under Question

The attack has raised serious questions about Pakistan’s security system. Islamabad was once considered a safe city, but recent attacks suggest growing risks even in the capital.

According to security reports, militant attacks across Pakistan have increased sharply in the past three years.

Fear of Sectarian Violence

The bombing targeted a Shia mosque, raising fears of sectarian violence. Pakistan has a long history of Sunni-Shia tensions, especially in sensitive regions like Kurram.

Experts warn that such attacks could lead to further unrest if not handled carefully.

Pakistan Faces Growing Pressure

Analysts say Pakistan is facing increasing pressure at home and abroad. Both India and Afghanistan have pushed back strongly, leaving Islamabad more isolated on the issue of militancy.

As families bury their loved ones, demands for accountability are growing. The Islamabad mosque bombing has exposed serious security failures and deepened tensions in the region.