ISLAMABAD: The suicide attacker responsible for the deadly blast at a mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai area had returned to Pakistan from Afghanistan last year, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Friday, as investigations into the attack intensified.
According to the minister, the attacker had travelled to Afghanistan around one-and-a-half to two years ago before returning to Pakistan, where he moved between several locations. At the time of the attack, he was reportedly staying in Nowshera, while his family members — said to hold extremist views — were traced to Peshawar.
Read More: 31 martyred, dozens injured in suicide bombing at Islamabad
Khawaja Asif said that while the attacker appeared to be operating alone at present, investigations were continuing from all angles, including possible links to handlers, facilitators or external support networks. He added that authorities were “very close” to uncovering the full network behind the attack.
🚨🇵🇰 BIG STATEMENT BY KHAWAJA ASIF: (via Tweet)
“Those who martyred worshippers in mosques are enemies of religion and country. The terrorist had been coming and going from Afghanistan. India-Taliban links are being exposed. Challenged by security, he opened fire and blew… pic.twitter.com/s1g4MQEk2h
— Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) February 6, 2026
Joint investigation teams comprising officials from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad Police and Punjab Police are conducting coordinated inquiries. Investigators are examining whether the attacker had local assistance or cross-border backing, with officials stressing that no lead would be ignored.
At least 31 worshippers were martyred and dozens injured when a suicide bomber detonated explosives during Friday prayers at a 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, after which he blew himself up, causing a powerful explosion.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the injured and bodies to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad. An emergency was declared at the hospitals, where several victims remain in critical condition. Doctors warned that the death toll could rise.
Read More: Defense Minister: Pakistan vows full force against attackers
Police and security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation following the blast. Authorities have claimed the attacker was affiliated with Fitna-al-Khawarij (FAK), which they described as an Indian proxy group.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and ordered a comprehensive inquiry. The prime minister also directed Health Minister Mustafa Kamal to personally oversee medical treatment for the injured.