Written by Lisa Murimi
At least 12 people were killed and 27 others injured on Tuesday when a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a court building in Islamabad, marking the first major attack on civilians in the capital in over a decade.
The explosion, which occurred near lunchtime, sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political and security establishment.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the situation as a “state of war,” blaming militants operating from Afghanistan — with alleged backing from India — for orchestrating the deadly assault.
“We are in a state of war,” Asif declared. “Bringing this war to Islamabad is a message from Kabul, to which Pakistan has the full power to respond.”
The attack has deepened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan warning of retaliatory action should Afghanistan fail to curb cross-border militant activities.
The Taliban administration in Kabul condemned the bombing, expressing “deep sorrow,” but rejected claims that Afghan territory was being used to stage attacks.
Authorities said the bomber attempted to enter the court complex on foot before detonating the device near a police vehicle. Graphic images broadcast on local media showed burned-out cars, debris-strewn streets, and injured victims being rushed to hospitals. Several of the wounded are reported to be in critical condition.
In a separate attack on Monday, militants targeted a military-run school in Wana, northwest Pakistan, killing three people and trapping hundreds. The assault bore chilling resemblance to the 2014 Peshawar school massacre that left more than 130 children dead.
Though no group has claimed responsibility, Pakistani officials suspect the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or its offshoots. Analysts warn that emerging militant factions may be using new tactics to spread chaos while maintaining plausible deniability.
“These coordinated strikes aim to spread panic and demonstrate reach,” said security analyst Abdul Basit. “They signal that if there are strikes in Kabul, Islamabad will not be safe.”
The bombings come amid already strained regional relations, with Pakistan recently conducting airstrikes inside Afghanistan following cross-border militant attacks. India, meanwhile, dismissed Islamabad’s allegations as “baseless and unfounded.”
