An explosion tore through a Shi’ite Muslim mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, during Friday prayers, killing at least 11 people and injuring 20 others, according to a police source who spoke to AFP.
The blast happened while worshippers were inside the mosque for prayers, sending people into panic and creating chaos at the scene. Several of the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, police officials said.
“We have shifted several people to hospitals. I can’t say how many are dead at this moment, but yes, people have died,” police official Zafar Iqbal told reporters earlier, as rescue teams were still working at the site.
Authorities said they’re still trying to figure out what caused the explosion — whether it was an explosive device or something else. Security forces have sealed off the area, and bomb disposal and forensic teams have been sent in to investigate.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Police said they’ll share more details once they have some preliminary findings.
Pakistan has seen sporadic attacks on religious minorities over the years, even though security in major cities has generally gotten better.
