A suicide bombing claimed by the Pakistani Taliban rocked Islamabad on Tuesday, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens in the first major civilian-targeted attack in Pakistan's capital in a decade. The blast occurred near a district court complex during peak hours, striking a police van and scattering debris across an area frequented by legal professionals and citizens.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stated the attack targeted judicial officials enforcing "un-Islamic laws," vowing continued violence until Sharia law is implemented nationwide. Pakistani authorities accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, with Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declaring, "We are in a state of war," while Kabul denied involvement.
The bombing marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, with Islamabad threatening retaliatory measures if cross-border militant activities persist. Security analysts warn the attack could impact foreign investment and regional stability as Pakistan approaches its 2026 general elections.
