Pakistan Accuses Afghanistan and India After Suicide Bombing Near Islamabad Courts Kills 12
Islamabad, Pakistan — A suicide bombing outside district court buildings in a residential district of the capital killed at least twelve people on Tuesday, according to the country's interior minister. The blast, which occurred in the late afternoon, injured dozens more and sparked a swift response from security forces who sealed off the area and began a thorough investigation.
Authorities identified the attack as a terrorist act and quickly pointed to external actors, blaming both Afghanistan and India for supporting the perpetrators. The interior minister stated that intelligence reports indicated cross‑border involvement, and that the incident reflected a broader pattern of destabilising actions aimed at Pakistan's judicial institutions. While no group claimed responsibility at the time of reporting, officials said they were monitoring communications with neighbouring countries for further clues.
The bombing adds to a series of violent incidents that have plagued Pakistan in recent months, including attacks on security personnel and public gatherings. Analysts note that the country's ongoing disputes with Afghanistan over border security and with India over regional influence have heightened tensions, creating a fertile environment for militant groups to exploit. Regional experts stress that such attacks often serve multiple strategic purposes, from undermining public confidence in the state to provoking retaliatory measures.
Local authorities have pledged to increase security around courts, government buildings, and other high‑profile sites. Additional checkpoints, patrols, and surveillance equipment are being deployed, and a task force has been formed to coordinate counter‑terrorism efforts across provincial lines. The interior ministry also announced plans to review existing counter‑terrorism legislation to ensure a more rapid response to similar threats.
International observers called for restraint and urged all parties to refrain from escalating rhetoric. The United Nations office in Islamabad urged a transparent investigation and offered technical assistance. As the investigation continues, families of the victims mourn their loss while the broader public watches closely for any developments that could shape Pakistan's security posture in the coming months.
