Islamabad: Pakistan’s government has vowed a forceful response to the deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad, which killed at least 31 people and injured around 169 others. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif pointed to Afghanistan in connection with the attack, claiming the suicide bomber had traveled there prior to carrying out the assault.
The attack occurred on Friday when the bomber detonated explosives inside the mosque during prayers. According to Asif, security forces confronted the attacker, who then detonated himself at the end of the prayer hall, targeting worshippers.
Afghanistan and Alleged External Links
Asif accused the Afghan Taliban of having links to the attacker, stating on social media platform X that the suicide bomber had previously visited Afghanistan. He described the attacker as an enemy of both religion and country. Pakistan has ruled out any dialogue with the Taliban government in Afghanistan in the wake of this incident, insisting that militant camps inside Afghanistan must be eliminated.
Without providing evidence, Asif also attempted to link India to the attack, alleging a conspiracy between India and Afghanistan.
India Rejects Allegations
India condemned the mosque bombing and expressed grief over the loss of life. The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed Asif’s claims as baseless propaganda. “It is unfortunate that Pakistan chooses to blame others for its domestic failures rather than addressing serious issues within its own society,” the MEA said.
Calls for Self-Reflection in Pakistan
Analysts note that recent events in Pakistan show the government and military often attempt to attribute domestic failures to India. Interestingly, Islamabad’s current accusations target the Afghan Taliban, a group that previously enjoyed Pakistani support during the US-led war. When the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, photos of Pakistan’s ISI chief meeting them in Kabul went viral worldwide.
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