ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the suicide blast outside Islamabad’s G-11 District Judicial Complex, saying the attack was carried out by India-backed militant networks.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif said the bombing was the work of “Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan,” adding that groups are “operating with Indian support.”
He said Pakistan will “not allow the blood of innocent Pakistanis to be shed in vain.”
Islamabad uses the terms "Fitna al-Khawarij" and "Fitna al-Hindustan" for Indian-sponsored proxy groups, as key instigators behind the assault.
“My and the entire nation’s deepest sympathies are with the families of the martyrs,” the prime minister said, praying for the elevation of the ranks of those who lost their lives. He instructed that the injured be provided “the best possible medical care.”
The prime minister said he has ordered a full investigation and vowed that those responsible “will be brought to justice.”
“The world must now condemn India’s conspiracies,” he added. “The horrific face of India’s effort to destroy peace in the region stands exposed.”
Suicide bombing
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed at least 12 people were martyred and dozens were injured.
“The suicide bomber failed to enter the judicial complex and detonated himself near a police vehicle,” Naqvi said.
Preliminary findings
According to local broadcaster Geo News, a preliminary report identified the attacker as a resident of Bajaur who arrived in Islamabad on Friday. He traveled from Pirwadhai junction to the G-11 judicial complex on a motorcycle, wearing a shawl.
Islamabad Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said the explosive device contained up to 8 kilograms of explosives and ball bearings. He said evidence indicates a single attacker, with surveillance backtracking and forensic review underway.
Surveillance footage
CCTV released by the Counter Terrorism Department shows an off-white 1995 Toyota Corolla approaching a parked police van before exploding near the complex gate.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the attack demands a reassessment of national security:
“We are in a state of war. Anyone thinking otherwise must consider today’s attack a wake-up call.”
An emergency was declared at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital, where 30 people are currently receiving treatment.
“All available resources are being utilized,” spokesperson Dr Mubashir Daha said.
Global condemnation
Qatar, Iran, Australia, the United States, China, the European Union, and Russia condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Pakistan.
Russia’s embassy in Islamabad said it hoped the perpetrators would be “identified and brought to justice,” offering condolences and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
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