Pakistan has apprehended four individuals linked to an Afghan cell in connection with the recent suicide bombing in Islamabad. The attack resulted in 12 fatalities and numerous injuries. It was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, indicating escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Details of the Bombing
The suicide bombing took place outside a district court in Islamabad earlier this week. The TTP has taken responsibility for this horrific act, which sparked a nationwide response.
Arrests Made
The four detained suspects are reportedly connected to the TTP. The Pakistani government stated that investigations are ongoing, with additional arrests anticipated.
- Suspect Identification: The bomber, identified as Usman alias Qari, hailed from Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.
- Command Structure: Sajid Ullah, one of the arrested individuals, revealed that the orders for the attack came from Saeed-ur-Rehman, a TTP commander. He communicated via the Telegram app.
- Commander’s Background: Daadullah, an operative in the TTP’s intelligence wing, is reportedly in hiding in Afghanistan.
Operational Context
The arrests were the result of a coordinated effort between Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau and the Counter-Terrorism Department. The exact locations of the arrests remain undisclosed.
Violence Resurgence
Islamabad has experienced relatively low levels of violence from armed groups in recent years. The last major suicide attack was recorded in December 2022. However, a recent uptick in violence, largely attributed to insurgents based in Afghanistan, is causing concern among officials.
On the same week as the bombing, a separate assault occurred on Cadet College Wana, resulting in multiple casualties. During that incident, three soldiers and all attackers were killed.
Deteriorating Relations
The situation has further strained Islamabad’s relations with Kabul. The two nations had recently endured cross-border clashes, leading to over 70 deaths, including many Afghan civilians. Although a fragile ceasefire was reached, it has yet to yield any lasting resolution.
Government Responses
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, characterizing it as a “horrific act of terrorism.” He emphasized the importance of peace, urging Afghanistan to collaborate in combating terrorism. The Prime Minister also expressed skepticism towards assurances from the Taliban government.
The Taliban regime has refrained from directly addressing Pakistan’s allegations but has expressed condolences regarding the recent attacks. As the situation develops, both nations face the challenge of reestablishing stability and security in the region.
