Pakistan Declares State of War After Capital Bombing Kills 12

A suicide bomber struck near a court complex in Islamabad on Tuesday. The attack killed at least 12 people and injured 27 others. It was the first major bombing in the Pakistani capital in nearly two years.

The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), quickly claimed responsibility for the blast. This prompted a severe response from the country’s top defense official, escalating regional tensions.

Defense Minister’s Stark Declaration of War

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared the nation is now “in a state of war.” He called the deadly suicide bombing a “wake-up call” for the entire country. His statement was made on the social media platform X.

Without directly naming Afghanistan, Asif indicated Islamabad was out of patience with the Taliban regime in Kabul. He stated it would be “futile” to hold out hope for successful negotiations. This marks a significant hardening of Pakistan’s stance.

Rising Militancy and Regional Tensions

The TTP said it targeted “judges, lawyers, and officials” at the court complex. The group accused them of enforcing what it called Pakistan’s “un-Islamic laws.” The TTP also warned of more attacks until Islamic rule is imposed nationwide.

According to Reuters, Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant attacks recently. Officials consistently blame groups operating from across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistan alleges the Afghan Taliban shelters the TTP, a claim Kabul denies.

Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated sharply since deadly border clashes in October. Those clashes killed more than 70 people. Despite multiple rounds of talks, both sides have failed to agree on crucial security measures.

The declaration of a state of war signals a dangerous new chapter for Pakistan and its strained relations with Afghanistan. This official shift in posture underscores the severe threat posed by escalating militant violence directly in the nation’s capital.

Info at your fingertips

Who claimed responsibility for the Islamabad bombing?

The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. The group stated it targeted judges and officials at the court complex.

Why does Pakistan blame Afghanistan for the attack?

Pakistan alleges that the Afghan Taliban government provides safe havens for the TTP militants. Kabul consistently denies these accusations, creating a major point of contention.

How many people were killed and injured?

The suicide bomb attack killed at least 12 people. It also injured 27 others near the district court buildings.

What does a ‘state of war’ declaration mean?

The declaration by the defense minister signals a major escalation in Pakistan’s security posture. It frames the militant threat as a national war, not just a border conflict.

Have Pakistan-Afghanistan relations been tense recently?

Yes, relations have been severely strained since deadly border clashes in October. Those clashes resulted in more than 70 fatalities.

Trusted Sources

Reuters