Rahmatullah Nabil, former head of Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS), has alleged that a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad was carried out by Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, a group he claims has links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
In statements shared publicly, Nabil said the attack was the result of what he described as “hidden hands” within Pakistan’s security apparatus, suggesting it stemmed from internal networks and longstanding relationships. He alleged that Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil, has maintained close ties with intelligence circles over an extended period.
Nabil further claimed that publicly available photographs and information show Khalil in close contact with Abdullah Gul, the son of a former head of Pakistan’s intelligence agency. He said Khalil has been active in militant networks since the 1980s and has had past associations with al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. According to Nabil, Khalil was also among the signatories to the 1998 declaration calling for war against the United States.
Despite this background, Nabil alleged that Khalil has continued to operate freely within Pakistan for many years.
Linking the attack to broader political and regional dynamics, Nabil suggested it may be connected to the recent critical stance adopted by some senior Shia clerics in Pakistan, as well as to regional military decisions, including reports of Pakistani troop deployments related to Gaza.
Earlier on Friday, a suicide bomber targeted a Shia mosque in Islamabad, killing more than 30 people and injuring over 200, according to initial reports. Pakistani authorities have not yet commented on Nabil’s allegations.
Officials say investigations into the incident are ongoing.