Shia Community Holds Candle March After Islamabad Mosque Blast

Protesters condemn suicide attack in Pakistan that killed over 30 worshippers during Friday prayers

February 8, 2026: Members of the Shia community held a candle march to pay tribute to victims of a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, that claimed at least 31 lives and left 169 others injured. The attack took place during Friday prayers at the Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra in the Tarlai area, according to Pakistani authorities quoted by Dawn. Protesters demanded justice for those killed and called on the Pakistan Army and government to take strict action against those responsible.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Shia locals staged protests along the Srinagar–Baramulla National Highway in the Hanjiwera area of Baramulla district, condemning the attack. Protesters raised slogans, including “Pakistan Murdabad,” clarifying that their anger was directed at Pakistan’s administration and security system, not its common citizens. Several participants said such attacks on the Shia community have been occurring repeatedly over the past decade, highlighting a continued failure to ensure the safety of religious minorities in Pakistan.

Expressing anguish, protesters questioned the mindset behind targeting worshippers inside a mosque. They said killing innocent men, women, and children during prayers reflects a dangerous ideology that thrives due to weak governance and persistent extremism. Following the blast, Pakistan tightened security nationwide as investigations continued. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry stated that while the attacker was not Afghan, forensic evidence showed he had travelled to Afghanistan multiple times.