Islamabad: Pakistan announced the arrest of four individuals from a cell involved in this week's suicide bombing in Islamabad, which authorities claim was orchestrated by a group based in Afghanistan. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday outside court buildings in the capital, was claimed by a faction of the Pakistani Taliban known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the arrests were made in connection with the bombing that resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injured 37 others. Islamabad officials stated that those apprehended were linked to the TTP. A government statement indicated that the group's operations were directed by a high command situated in Afghanistan, noting that the alleged commander and three other members were now in custody.
The statement further mentioned that ongoing investigations could lead to more revelations and arrests. The bomber was identified as Usman, also known as Qari, a resident of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. However, the government did not specify the locations of the arrests.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the Senate on Thursday that the bomber was of Afghan origin. These allegations arise amid deteriorating relations between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan holding Afghan-based militants, particularly the TTP, responsible for a surge in attacks since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Kabul, however, denies these accusations.
Tensions between the two nations escalated last month, following recent attacks that triggered the most severe cross-border clashes in years, resulting in the deaths of over 70 individuals, including numerous Afghan civilians, according to the United Nations.