Pakistan Blast: Massive explosion at Islamabad mosque during Friday prayer, 31 killed, 169 injured; Who is behind attack?

 A massive explosion at Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in southeastern Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan area, during Friday prayers, reportedly killed at least 31 people and left 169 wounded. Rescue teams have reached the site of the explosion.

Islamabad Mosque explosion

It is yet to be ascertained whether it was a suicide blast or a planted bomb, while police have begun relief and evacuation efforts.  Some police sources suggest it was a suicide bombing; the attacker was reportedly stopped at the entrance before detonating his explosives. 

A medical emergency was reported at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences following the explosion, according to news agency PTI, citing local media.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and asked authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured. 

The blast came days after Pakistani forces' deadly clash with the Balochistan Liberation Army, which led to massive casualties on both sides. It also comes three months after a suicide blast outside a district court in Islamabad in November last year. 12 people were killed in the blast.

Who is behind the attack?

While no official claim has been made and no group has officially claimed responsibility, primary suspects pointed toward militant groups that have historically targeted Pakistan's Shiite minority, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State(IS-K). Some police sources have linked the suspected attacker to Fitna al Khwaraji, while IS-K has a history of carrying out similar sectarian attacks on Shiite places of worship.

Further details are awaited.