Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has described Tuesday’s suicide bombing at the capital’s judicial complex as a “serious warning” for the nation, saying the Taliban have now shifted their conflict onto Pakistani soil.
In a post on X, Asif said Pakistan is “in a state of war,” urging citizens to recognise that the fight is no longer confined to the borders or Balochistan. “Those who believe the army is only fighting in the tribal areas should be awakened by this attack,” he said, adding that the military continues to make daily sacrifices to ensure the nation’s safety.
The minister warned against any illusion of peace talks with the Taliban regime in Kabul, stressing that the acting Afghan rulers possess the capacity to stop cross-border terrorism if they choose to do so. “The attack in Islamabad carries a message from Kabul,” he said, “but Pakistan, by the grace of God, has the strength to respond decisively.”
At least 12 people were killed and 27 injured in the suicide blast near the Islamabad judicial complex in the G-11 district. The explosion, which occurred late Tuesday morning, set several nearby vehicles ablaze and caused widespread panic in the area.
