• A suicide bomber targeted the Khadijatul Kubra mosque during Friday prayers in Islamabad.
• At least 31 people have been confirmed dead, with around 170 injured in the blast.
• The explosion occurred while Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was visiting Pakistan.
• No group has claimed responsibility yet, but the attack is likely linked to the Pakistani Taliban.
• International leaders have condemned the attack, calling it a crime against humanity.

A suicide bomber detonated explosives at the Khadijatul Kubra mosque in Islamabad during Friday prayers, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The attack, which occurred on February 6, killed at least 31 individuals and injured over 169 people, many critically, according to reports from Indiatimes, Channel News Asia, CBS News, NPR, and Indiatimes.

The explosion struck the mosque during a time of high attendance for prayers. Eyewitnesses described horrific scenes, with bodies strewn across the ground and people rushing to help the victims. Initial reports indicated that the bomber was stopped at the precinct before detonating himself, according to police sources. Following the blast, hospitals in Islamabad declared emergencies as they faced an influx of casualties, as noted by Channel News Asia and Indiatimes.

Political officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the attack and called for immediate action to deliver medical assistance to the injured. Zardari labeled the targeting of innocent civilians as "a crime against humanity," a sentiment echoed by Sharif, who insisted on a thorough investigation to identify those responsible. The attack came at a sensitive time, with an official visit by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev just a few kilometers from the event, according to NPR and CBS News.

Security analysts speculate that the attack could be linked to militant groups like the Pakistani Taliban or regional affiliates of the Islamic State, which have previously targeted Shia Muslims. This incident follows a concerning rise in militant activity across Pakistan, with several violent incidents reported in recent months. Observers have noted a shift towards targeting softer targets, particularly during religious gatherings, as these groups attempt to sidestep increased security at larger public venues, reports Indiatimes, Channel News Asia, and NPR.