PNN – Pakistan’s Defense Minister, confirming that today’s attack in Islamabad was a suicide bombing, held the Afghan Taliban responsible and stated that the country is fully prepared to respond.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing Al Jazeera, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the country is “at war” and that the recent explosion in Islamabad should be considered a “serious warning.”
He added that under such circumstances, hoping for successful negotiations with the rulers in Kabul is futile. The rulers in Kabul could stop terrorism in Pakistan, but bringing this war to the heart of Islamabad sends a message from Kabul—thanks to God, Pakistan has the power to respond, he said.
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Pakistan’s Interior Minister also stated that the Tuesday explosion outside the gate of the Islamabad District Court was caused by a suicide bomber targeting a police vehicle, leaving at least 12 people dead.
Mohsin Naqvi told reporters: The suicide attacker tried to enter the court premises but failed and targeted police vehicles. He did not assign responsibility to any specific armed group but added that authorities are investigating all aspects of the incident.
The explosion occurred in a busy, densely populated area, heightening concerns about the security of Pakistan’s capital, following previous similar attacks in the country’s northwest by armed groups.