ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad suicide attack who carried out Tuesday’s deadly attack outside Islamabad’s district courts, killing 12 people and injuring over 30, was an Afghan national, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed on Wednesday.
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Attacker Identified as Afghan National
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Chaudhry said investigators had verified the attacker’s Afghan nationality. “I can confirm that the attacker was an Afghan national,” he stated, adding, “Pakistan is a responsible state and does not blame others needlessly.”
Chaudhry said the suicide bomber neither spoke any local language nor recognized Pakistani currency, indicating unfamiliarity with the country. He noted that cab and bike riders working for ride-hailing services had confirmed the attacker’s lack of understanding of both language and money.
Ongoing Probe and Regional Implications
While declining to share further details to avoid hampering the investigation, the minister said Pakistan had “concrete evidence” implicating networks based in Afghanistan and India in several recent attacks. The revelation came a day after security forces neutralized all militants involved in the siege at Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan.
The Islamabad blast prompted a security lockdown across the capital’s judicial complexes, with all district court activities suspended. China, Qatar, the UK, and the United States strongly condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with Pakistan.
Government’s Firm Response
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident, vowing continued and decisive action against foreign-backed terrorism. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that Pakistan might carry out strikes inside Afghanistan if cross-border attacks persist.
Rising Terror Incidents Since 2021
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp surge in terrorist activities since the Afghan Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021. The country has repeatedly urged the Taliban regime to prevent its territory from being used as a launching pad for attacks inside Pakistan.
According to security data, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone recorded more than 600 terror incidents in the first eight months of 2025, causing the deaths of at least 138 civilians and 79 police personnel. Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border also escalated in October, leading to clashes before a fragile ceasefire was reached.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite strained relations, Islamabad continues to push for cooperation with Kabul on counterterrorism measures. Officials say Pakistan remains committed to regional peace but will act firmly against threats to its sovereignty.
