Pakistan opens investigation into Islamabad terror attack

"The attack took place in the middle of the day on Tuesday as the area was thrumming with people. The bomber made several attempts to get inside the buildings before detonating a device next to a police car, killing 12 people and injuring 27. Police inspect the cordoned-off site in Islamabad, a day after the suicide bombing. Photograph: Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty Images It underscored the security challenges facing Pakistan as it grapples with a surge in terrorist activity."

"The attack was claimed initially by the Pakistan Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a statement, the group said it had targeted un-Islamic judges and lawyers, though TTP's spokesperson later denied the group was behind the attack. Several Pakistani ministers also attributed the suicide bombing to TTP, the Islamist group behind hundreds of militant attacks in Pakistan this year, targeting largely police and security services in the border region of Khyber Pawktunkhwa."

"On Tuesday night, Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, issued a statement alleging that the attack was carried out by Afghan-based militants at the behest of India and described the attack as nefarious conspiracy, though provided no evidence for the claim. In response to Sharif's allegation, India's foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, denied the claim. India unequivocally rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations, he said."

An investigation has been opened into a suicide attack outside district court buildings in Islamabad that killed 12 people and injured 27. The bomber attempted to enter the courts before detonating next to a police car during a busy daytime period. The Pakistan Taliban (TTP) initially claimed responsibility targeting 'un-Islamic' judges and lawyers, then a TTP spokesperson later denied involvement. Several ministers attributed the blast to TTP. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused Afghan-based militants acting at India's behest without providing evidence, and India rejected the allegation. The blast highlights worsening security challenges in Pakistan and potential regional repercussions.

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