The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for a devastating suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, which killed 12 people and wounded 27 others. The attack, which occurred near a police vehicle outside a district court, has sent shockwaves through the country. According to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the bomber targeted judges, lawyers, and officials who carried out rulings under Pakistan’s laws, deeming them “un-Islamic”.
The attack has been condemned by the international community, with the United States, China, and the United Nations expressing their condolences and solidarity with Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has blamed India for the attack, alleging that it was carried out by “Indian-backed elements and Afghan Taliban proxies”. However, India has rejected these claims, calling them “baseless and unfounded”.
The Pakistani Taliban’s claim of responsibility has raised concerns about the group’s growing influence and capabilities. The attack is seen as a significant escalation of violence in Pakistan, which has experienced a surge in Islamist violence since the Afghan Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
