Pakistan has launched a probe into Tuesday's deadly suicide bombing outside the district court in Islamabad, which claimed 12 lives and left 27 injured. The attack occurred during a busy day when the area was packed with people. The bomber made multiple attempts to gain access to the buildings before detonating an explosive device next to a police car.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initially blamed "Indian state terrorism" for the blast, but his claim has yet to be substantiated. Authorities have not disclosed any evidence to support the accusation, sparking concerns about a potential rift between the two nuclear-armed nations.
The attack was initially claimed by the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), with the group stating it targeted "un-Islamic judges and lawyers." However, TTP's spokesperson has since denied any involvement in the blast. Several Pakistani ministers have attributed the attack to TTP, an Islamist group that has been responsible for hundreds of militant attacks in Pakistan this year.
The bombing is a significant escalation in terrorist activity in Pakistan, which has struggled with security challenges for years. The attack could also have broader regional implications, given the tense relations between India and Pakistan following recent exchanges over alleged terror links.
India's foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal quickly rejected Prime Minister Sharif's claims, stating that "India unequivocally rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations." The two nations have a history of accusing each other of sponsoring terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif initially blamed "Indian state terrorism" for the blast, but his claim has yet to be substantiated. Authorities have not disclosed any evidence to support the accusation, sparking concerns about a potential rift between the two nuclear-armed nations.
The attack was initially claimed by the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), with the group stating it targeted "un-Islamic judges and lawyers." However, TTP's spokesperson has since denied any involvement in the blast. Several Pakistani ministers have attributed the attack to TTP, an Islamist group that has been responsible for hundreds of militant attacks in Pakistan this year.
The bombing is a significant escalation in terrorist activity in Pakistan, which has struggled with security challenges for years. The attack could also have broader regional implications, given the tense relations between India and Pakistan following recent exchanges over alleged terror links.
India's foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal quickly rejected Prime Minister Sharif's claims, stating that "India unequivocally rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations." The two nations have a history of accusing each other of sponsoring terrorism.