Four Arrests in Islamabad Mosque Bombing That Killed 32

Major Breakthrough in Islamabad Mosque Attack Investigation

Pakistani security forces have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the devastating mosque bombing in Islamabad that killed 32 people and injured 169 others. Authorities have arrested four suspects, including the alleged mastermind behind the attack, which has been described as the deadliest in Pakistan's capital since 2008.

Details of the Arrests

The arrests were made following an intensive manhunt in the cities of Peshawar and Nowshera, located west of Islamabad. According to Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the suspected mastermind is an Afghan national with established links to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization. 'We have captured the brain behind this heinous attack,' Naqvi stated during a press conference. 'This individual has direct connections with Islamic State and was instrumental in planning and executing this atrocity.'

The Attack and Its Aftermath

The attack occurred on February 6, 2026, during Friday prayers at the Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque, a Shiite place of worship on the outskirts of Islamabad. Witnesses described a horrifying scene where an attacker first opened fire on volunteer security personnel before detonating an explosive vest inside the crowded mosque.

The Islamic State's regional affiliate quickly claimed responsibility for the bombing, describing Shiite Muslims as 'legitimate targets' and a 'human reservoir' for militias fighting the group in Syria. This justification highlights the sectarian nature of the violence targeting Pakistan's Shiite minority, which comprises approximately 10-15% of the country's population.

Funeral Ceremonies and Public Response

On February 7, approximately 2,000 mourners gathered in Islamabad for the funeral of several victims. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and anger. One attendee, who lost his 21-year-old nephew in the attack, expressed his anguish to Reuters: 'What sin has this young man committed that he must die such a meaningless death?'

Security was significantly heightened throughout the capital, with police checkpoints established along all major roads. The government has vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemning the attack as a violation of Islamic principles.

Rising Violence and Regional Tensions

This attack comes amid escalating violence across Pakistan and increasing tensions with neighboring Afghanistan. According to a Foreign Affairs analysis, Pakistan has experienced its deadliest year in a decade in 2025, with terrorist violence spiking dramatically since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

The conflict centers on Pakistan's accusations that Afghanistan harbors Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who launch attacks from Afghan territory. This has led to Pakistani airstrikes on TTP targets in Afghanistan and retaliatory Taliban attacks on Pakistani border posts.

International Concerns

The U.S. Council on Foreign Relations has identified South Asia as one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints in its 'Conflicts to Watch in 2026' report, warning that Pakistan's conflicts with India and Afghanistan could escalate into armed clashes.

The international community has widely condemned the Islamabad attack, with calls for increased cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. The bombing has raised serious concerns about security in Pakistan's capital, which had previously been considered relatively secure compared to other regions of the country.

Sources

CBS News: Islamic State affiliate suspects arrested in Pakistan mosque suicide bombing

France 24: Islamic State group claims deadly suicide bombing at Islamabad Shiite mosque

Foreign Affairs: Afghanistan and Pakistan Square Off

Reuters: Explosion rocks Shiite Muslim mosque in Islamabad