US, Feb 07 : More than 30 people lost their lives and nearly 160 were injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan area during Friday prayers, exposing deep concerns about Pakistan’s internal security. Within hours of the attack, Islamabad pointed fingers at India and Afghanistan, drawing criticism for assigning blame before any preliminary investigation was completed.
The blast struck the Khadja Tul Kubra Mosque while it was filled with devotees. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif alleged involvement of the Afghan Taliban and India but stopped short of addressing possible intelligence lapses or the role of militant networks operating within the country.
Security assessments indicate that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) could be behind the strike, though neither organisation has claimed responsibility. Authorities noted that the targeting of Shia worshippers aligns with the sectarian violence often associated with such extremist outfits.
Indian officials questioned the speed with which accusations were made, arguing that the focus should instead be on identifying security gaps that allowed the attack to occur. Some analysts suggested the incident may also have been used to divert attention from mounting challenges faced by Pakistani forces, particularly in Balochistan.
Pakistan’s security establishment has been under increasing strain, confronting threats from the Balochistan Liberation Army, the TTP and tensions involving the Afghan Taliban. Intelligence sources also point to growing unrest in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, adding to the country’s fragile security landscape.
Experts believe that if ISKP is ultimately linked to the bombing, it would highlight the risks of past tactical manoeuvres involving militant factions. Attempts to align with certain groups reportedly faltered after ideological differences emerged and expected support failed to materialise.
Analysts argue that the rapid narrative building following the attack reflects broader efforts to manage domestic pressure while projecting responsibility outward. However, the bombing in a densely populated urban area has once again underscored the scale of Pakistan’s internal vulnerabilities and the urgent need for stronger counterterror mechanisms.