Pakistanis mourn victims of attack on Shiite mosque, in photos

Pakistani worshippers gathered in solemn crowds Tuesday to mourn the victims of a devastating suicide bombing that targeted a Shiite mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar. The deadly attack, which claimed at least 63 lives and wounded nearly 200 others, marks one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Pakistan in recent years.

The explosion ripped through the Kucha Risaldar mosque during Friday prayers, when the building was packed with worshippers. According to local authorities, the bomber detonated his explosive vest amid the congregation, causing massive casualties and significant damage to the historic structure located in Peshawar’s old city.

Mourners assembled for funeral processions across the city, carrying coffins draped in traditional green cloth through narrow streets while chanting prayers. Women wailed from rooftops and balconies as the processions passed below, a customary expression of grief in the region.

“This is the worst attack I have witnessed in my lifetime,” said Mohammad Azim, 45, who lost two cousins in the bombing. “Our community has suffered tremendously, but we will not be intimidated by these acts of terror.”

The Islamic State group’s regional affiliate, known as Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq news agency. This represents a concerning development for Pakistan’s security establishment, which has been primarily focused on threats from the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Security analysts note that IS-K has increasingly targeted Pakistan’s Shiite minority, whom they consider heretics. The group has established a stronghold in neighboring Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover and U.S. withdrawal last year.

“The resurgence of IS-K poses a significant challenge to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts,” explained Amir Rana, director of the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies. “The group exploits sectarian divisions and demonstrates operational capabilities despite facing pressure from multiple fronts.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the attack and directed authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the wounded. “I have asked the interior minister to personally visit Peshawar and ensure coordination between agencies,” Khan stated in a national address.

The attack has heightened tensions in a country already facing severe economic challenges, including rising inflation and a depreciating currency. International organizations, including the United Nations, have expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in the region.

At Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital, the main medical facility treating victims, scenes of chaos unfolded as ambulances rushed the injured through crowded corridors. Medical staff worked around the clock, with many doctors and nurses responding to emergency calls despite being off duty.

“We haven’t seen casualties on this scale since the 2014 Army Public School attack,” said Dr. Sahib Gul, the hospital’s chief medical officer, referring to the Taliban assault that killed 150 people, mostly schoolchildren. “Our blood banks were quickly depleted, but local residents responded immediately to donation appeals.”

The Peshawar bombing represents the third major terrorist attack in Pakistan this year. In January, a bomb exploded in a marketplace in Lahore, killing three people, while another attack targeted security forces in Balochistan province, resulting in 10 casualties.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed announced enhanced security measures at places of worship throughout the country. “We will increase police presence and intelligence operations to prevent further attacks,” Ahmed stated during a press conference in Islamabad.

International observers view the escalation in terrorist activities as partially connected to regional developments, particularly the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. Despite assurances from Afghanistan’s new rulers that they would prevent terrorist groups from using their territory to launch attacks, the security situation remains volatile.

As night fell across Peshawar, hundreds of candles illuminated the steps of the damaged mosque, where community members held vigils and prayer services. Religious leaders called for unity across sectarian lines while demanding greater protection from government forces.

“Every Pakistani, regardless of faith, stands with the victims today,” said Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, a prominent religious scholar. “Terrorists seek to divide us through fear, but we remain united in our grief and resolve.”