PESHAWAR: Authorities have taken six people, including two brothers of the suicide bomber, into custody as investigations continue into the deadly suicide attack on a mosque in the Tarlai area near Rawalpindi, government sources said on Saturday.
Read More: Condemnations, protests follow deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad
According to officials, the detained individuals were in close contact with the attacker and have been shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation. A special investigation team, comprising officers from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and other security agencies, has been formed to trace and arrest facilitators and abettors involved in the attack.
Investigators are also working to identify the attacker’s current and former hideouts. Sources said a raid was carried out at the address listed on the bomber’s CNIC, resulting in multiple arrests.
At least 31 worshippers were martyred and several others injured when a suicide bomber detonated explosives during Friday prayers at the mosque in the Tarlai area on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. Police said the attacker attempted to enter the mosque but was stopped at the main gate before blowing himself up, triggering a powerful explosion.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene and transported the bodies and injured to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad. An emergency was imposed at both hospitals, where several injured remain in critical condition. Doctors warned that the death toll could rise.
🇵🇰 🚨 Explosion hits Shia mosque in Pakistan’s capital
A blast tore through a mosque during Friday prayers, injuring several people and causing chaos at the site.
Rescue teams rushed in, the wounded were taken to hospitals, and officials say they’re still figuring out what… pic.twitter.com/yVgNth69N1
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 6, 2026
Police and security forces cordoned off the area immediately after the blast and launched a search operation. According to police sources, preliminary investigations suggest the attacker was affiliated with Fitna-al-Khawarij (FAK), which authorities have described as an Indian proxy group. Investigations are ongoing to verify the claim and establish the full network behind the attack.
Read More: 31 martyred, dozens injured in suicide bombing at Islamabad
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the bombing and ordered a comprehensive inquiry. The prime minister also directed Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to personally oversee medical treatment for the injured.