Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday declared that the country is now “in a state of war,” describing the deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad as a “wake-up call” for the nation.
The announcement followed an explosion near the district court complex in the capital that killed at least 12 people and injured 27 others — the first major bombing in Islamabad in nearly two years.
Pakistan’s Message: ‘This War Is for All of Pakistan’
Without directly naming the opponent, Asif hinted that Islamabad’s patience was wearing thin with the Taliban regime in Kabul after the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.
“We are in a state of war,” Asif wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Anyone who thinks that the Pakistan Army is fighting this war only in the border regions or in Balochistan should take today’s suicide attack as a wake-up call. This is a war for all of Pakistan, and our soldiers are giving daily sacrifices to make people feel secure.”
He further said it would be “futile to hope for successful negotiations” with Afghanistan’s rulers, signalling a breakdown in dialogue efforts with the Taliban government.
TTP Claims Responsibility
In a statement, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan said its fighters targeted judges, lawyers, and court officials for enforcing what it called “un-Islamic laws.” The group warned of further attacks until Islamic rule was imposed across the country.
The TTP has long operated along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of offering safe havens to its members — a charge that Kabul denies.
Rising Violence and Regional Tensions
Pakistan has seen a sharp increase in militant violence in recent months, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the collapse of a fragile truce between the government and the TTP in late 2024.
The latest attack also comes amid tense relations between Islamabad and Kabul, which deteriorated after border clashes in October killed more than 70 people. Despite several rounds of talks, both sides have failed to agree on new border-security measures.
Adding to the tension, Pakistani officials have also blamed India for the Islamabad bombing — an allegation New Delhi firmly rejected, calling it “baseless and politically motivated.”
‘A Wake-Up Call’ for National Security
The Islamabad attack has reignited debate over Pakistan’s internal security and its counter-terrorism strategy. Analysts say Asif’s statement marks a shift from negotiation to confrontation, suggesting a more aggressive military approach could follow in the coming weeks.
As the investigation continues, Pakistan’s government has stepped up security checks, intelligence operations, and border surveillance, with additional troops deployed in sensitive areas across the country.
