ISLAMABAD / KARACHI — A wave of grief and civil unrest has swept across Pakistan following the suicide bombing at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area. As the death toll reached 31 with 169 injured, the incident has been labeled a “crime against humanity” by national leaders and a “brutal crime against Islam” by religious scholars.
“I acknowledge & value the messages of condolence & support from world leaders after the tragic attack in Islamabad. Such solidarity reinforces our shared stand against violence. 🇵🇰 remains resolute in upholding peace, resilience & national unity.”
— President Asif Ali Zardari— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 6, 2026
National Leadership and Legal Response
- Executive Orders: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have ordered a high-level probe into the security lapse. The PM emphasized that “no one will be allowed to spread chaos” and directed the Health Minister to personally monitor the treatment of the survivors.
- Legal Strike: The Islamabad Bar Association has announced a complete strike and a day of mourning for today, Saturday, February 7. Lawyers across the capital will abstain from court proceedings in protest against the failure to protect citizens.
- Religious Consensus: The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC), led by Allama Tahir Ashrafi, issued a video message stating the perpetrators have no connection to Islam and called for an uncompromising fight against sectarian extremists.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی ترلائی، اسلام آباد میں امام بارگاہ میں دھماکے کی شدید الفاظ میں مذمت
وزیرِ اعظم کا دھماکے میں شہادتوں پر گہرے دکھ و رنج کا اظہار اور اہلِ خانہ کے ساتھ اظہارِ ہمدردی۔
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی وزیرِ داخلہ محسن نقوی سے ملاقات اور واقعے کی مکمل… pic.twitter.com/tPBrCNG92I
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 6, 2026
Protests Erupt Across Pakistan
Anger spilled onto the streets on Friday evening and continues today, with major roads blocked in several cities:
| City | Key Protest Locations | Actions Taken |
| Karachi | Malir 15, Shahrah-i-Pakistan (Incholi), Abbas Town, Numaish | Major road blockades; heavy sloganeering. |
| Skardu | Yadgar Chowk | Massive sit-in; 3 days of mourning announced. |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | Karakoram Highway (Gulmit & Ganish) | Tyres burnt; highway blocked for several hours. |
| Nawabshah | Main City Area | Rallies led by the Shia Ulema Council. |
The protests, supported by the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) and the Jafferia Alliance, have seen significant participation from women and children, all demanding immediate justice and a revision of the National Action Plan.
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Claim of Responsibility
While early reports from police sources suggested links to “Fitna al Khawarij” (TTP), the Islamic State (IS) has officially claimed responsibility for the attack. Via its Telegram channel, the group released a photo of the alleged assailant, identifying him as a “martyrdom-seeker” who targeted the congregation during the Friday sermon.
The “Safe City” Question
The attack has triggered a debate over Islamabad’s security. Despite the recent installation of e-tags on over 203,000 vehicles, the bomber managed to infiltrate the outskirts of the capital. High-ranking officials, including NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, have vowed that these “cowardly actions” will not weaken the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.
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