Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told parliament on Thursday that Afghan nationals were behind two suicide bombings that struck Pakistan earlier this week. One of the attacks targeted a police patrol outside a lower court in Islamabad, killing 12 and injuring 27. The second incident occurred in South Waziristan, near the Afghan border, where a bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military-run school. The ensuing gun battle between militants and Pakistani soldiers lasted more than 24 hours, leaving three dead before the attackers were neutralized.
Why It Matters
The revelation threatens to further strain already tense relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghan soil, a charge the Taliban-led government denies. The attacks also highlight Pakistan’s growing internal security challenges, with the resurgence of cross-border militancy undermining government efforts to stabilize volatile border regions.
Key stakeholders include the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose fragile diplomatic ties could face new setbacks. The Pakistani security establishment is on heightened alert amid fears of renewed militant infiltration. Meanwhile, civilians in border regions remain vulnerable to the fallout of deteriorating security and cross-border tensions. International observers, including regional powers, will also watch closely for any escalation between the two neighbours.
What’s Next
Islamabad is expected to press Kabul for stronger border control and cooperation against militant networks. The Afghan government’s response or silence will likely determine the next phase of bilateral relations. Pakistan may also tighten border security and deport undocumented Afghan nationals, a policy already in motion since earlier this year. As investigations continue, both nations face the challenge of preventing further violence while navigating a fragile political and security landscape.
With information from Reuters.
