Authorities have identified the suicide bomber involved in the deadly attack near a mosque in Islamabad, officials said.
According to government sources, the attacker had received formal militant training in Afghanistan and had travelled there multiple times in the past. Officials claimed that several militant groups operating from Afghan territory continue to pose a serious threat to regional security.
Sources added that evidence in previous investigations has pointed to cross-border networks supporting terrorist activities inside Pakistan. They stressed that the nation remains united against terrorism and vowed to continue efforts to eliminate militancy.
The identification comes after a suicide blast during Friday prayers in Islamabad’s Tarlai area killed 31 worshippers and injured dozens. Police said the explosion occurred at the Khadijat-ul-Kubra mosque and imambargah when the attacker detonated explosives after being stopped at the entrance.
Witnesses reported hearing gunfire moments before the blast. Security forces, including police, army and Rangers, immediately cordoned off the area.
All injured victims were shifted to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals, where emergency has been declared. Several victims remain in critical condition, hospital sources said.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing