Pakistan identifies bombers in Islamabad and South Waziristan as Afghan nationals.
The recent wave of violence in Pakistan has reignited concerns about security and cross-border tensions with Afghanistan. Following multiple suicide attacks attributed to Afghan nationals, Pakistani authorities have ramped up efforts to counter emerging threats and address the fragile relationship between the two nations. As Pakistan navigates this difficult landscape, discussions surrounding military power and national security have brought to the forefront the complexities of governance and the implications for the broader region.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced in parliament that both suicide bombers involved in the recent attacks in Islamabad and South Waziristan were Afghan nationals, highlighting ongoing security challenges the nation faces. The Interior Minister’s remarks came during a live session on Thursday, following a spate of violence that claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals and left over 30 others injured during an attack at the Islamabad District Judicial Complex on Wednesday.
The Counter-Terrorism Department in Punjab’s Rawalpindi reported that authorities have detained seven suspects in connection with the Islamabad blast. These suspects were apprehended in the Fauji Colony and Dhoke Kashmirian areas of Rawalpindi, in addition to ongoing operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where the second attack occurred.
The attack in South Waziristan, which took place on Monday, involved a vehicle laden with explosives targeting the local Cadet College, situated near the Afghan border. According to police, two attackers were neutralized at the main gate, while three others were able to enter the premises, further complicating the already tense security situation.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have seen a significant downturn in recent years, with Islamabad accusing armed groups operating from Afghan territory of launching attacks within Pakistan. The Afghan government has consistently denied these allegations, complicating diplomatic discussions between the two neighboring nations. Recent border clashes have resulted in a tragic loss of life for both military personnel and civilians, underscoring the necessity for a more robust dialogue aimed at peace-building.
In response to the escalating violence, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif indicated that military options may be considered, stating that Pakistan is currently “in a state of war.” His remarks stressed the urgency of addressing domestic threats, positioning the attacks as a critical wake-up call for the nation’s security establishment.
In a related development, Pakistan’s parliament passed a significant constitutional amendment, granting lifetime immunity to the current army chief, Asim Munir. This sweeping change, which has drawn considerable criticism from opposition parties and human rights advocates, not only strengthens military authority but also establishes a new chief of defense forces role consolidating command over the army, air force, and navy. Under the new legislation, military officers promoted to high ranks will receive lifelong protection from criminal prosecution, and civil courts are now restricted from questioning any constitutional amendments. This political development illustrates a decisive shift in Pakistan’s governance framework and raises questions about the future of civil-military relations in the country.
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