Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, announced that security forces have apprehended all individuals involved in the deadly suicide bombing at Tarlai Kalan mosque in Islamabad, including an Afghan national identified as the mastermind linked to the banned terrorist organization, ISIS. The attack, which occurred on Friday, claimed 33 lives and injured dozens of worshippers, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Minister Naqvi confirmed that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) conducted coordinated raids in Nowshera and Peshawar, resulting in the arrest of four facilitators associated with the attack. During the operations, one security official was martyred and several others sustained injuries, highlighting the risks involved in counterterrorism efforts.
ISIS-Afghanistan and Cross-Border Planning
According to the Interior Minister, the attack was orchestrated by ISIS-Afghanistan with alleged support from India, with both planning and training conducted across the border. Investigators reportedly traced the suspects by examining the suicide bomber’s travel history, uncovering an organized network operating in the region. Minister Naqvi claimed that the attackers had conducted a prior reconnaissance mission, which had initially failed to materialize into an assault.
He further stated that Pakistan’s intelligence has identified 21 militant organizations currently operating from Afghan territory, all contributing to regional instability. The ISIS-linked network responsible for the Tarlai bombing has now been fully exposed, marking a major breakthrough in the ongoing counterterrorism operations.
Allegations Against India
Mohsin Naqvi alleged that India continues to fuel terrorism in Pakistan by providing funding and selecting targets for militant groups. According to his statements, financial incentives for militants have tripled, with previously paid sums of $500 now increasing to $1,500 per operative. He also claimed that India’s security-related budget has grown threefold following the May conflict, indicating heightened support for proxy operations.
The Interior Minister additionally linked attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) to Indian-backed channels, alleging that content promoting attacks appears online ahead of operations and is subsequently broadcast by Indian media. Pakistan, he asserted, has collected evidence demonstrating the infiltration routes used to bring attackers into the country.
Advanced Weapons and Technology Concerns
Minister Naqvi warned that militants are increasingly using advanced weaponry and technology left behind by US forces in Afghanistan. He emphasized the urgency for Pakistan to modernize its own security and counterterrorism systems, acknowledging financial constraints while promising that security institutions’ needs will be addressed.
Describing the situation in KP and Balochistan as effectively a “state of war,” the Interior Minister stressed the importance of community intelligence. He urged citizens to report any suspicious activity to authorities, reinforcing the role of public cooperation in national security.
Upgrading Counterterrorism Capabilities
The Interior Minister concluded by affirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening counterterrorism infrastructure to prevent future attacks. Efforts will focus on improving surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response mechanisms across high-risk regions. He underscored that combined efforts from security agencies, government authorities, and civil society are critical to mitigating the threat posed by militant organizations operating both domestically and across the border.
The announcement comes as Pakistan continues to confront a volatile security environment, balancing internal threats with regional geopolitical dynamics, while striving to protect citizens and maintain stability in vulnerable areas.
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