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Pakistan suicide attacks
Two coordinated suicide attacks rocked Pakistan this week: one at Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan and another outside the Islamabad district and judicial complex.
“Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, said Afghan nationals carried out two recent suicide bombings — one at the Wana Military College in South Waziristan and another near Islamabad’s judicial complex — after crossing from Afghanistan and remaining in contact with handlers there.”
Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi told parliament that both incidents involved Afghan nationals who crossed from Afghanistan and remained in contact with handlers there.
Officials reported the Islamabad blast killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens.
The Wana attack unfolded when an explosive-laden vehicle struck the school and was followed by a prolonged gunbattle that left attackers dead and cadets rescued.
Authorities in Rawalpindi detained seven suspects in connection with the Islamabad blast as investigations continue.
Cadet College Wana attack
Multiple outlets described the Cadet College Wana attack as a vehicle-borne assault at the school gate followed by a sustained firefight.
Modern Diplomacy reported that an explosive-laden vehicle hit a military-run school and a more-than-24-hour gun battle left three attackers dead.
Arab News said the incident killed three soldiers, noted that the five attackers were later killed, and reported that more than 600 people, including 525 cadets, were rescued.
The News International reported authorities said the attackers were allegedly receiving directions from handlers in Afghanistan and that officials feared the assault sought to emulate the 2014 Peshawar school massacre.
Pakistani forces said dormitories and students were secured after intense operations.
Courthouse bombing in Islamabad
The Islamabad courthouse blast caused immediate scenes of carnage and confusion.
“A suicide bomber detonated outside a district court in Islamabad after being stopped from entering, killing 12 people and wounding 27 when he struck a police vehicle; no group immediately claimed responsibility.”
Many reports say the attacker was stopped at the court gate and detonated near a police vehicle.
Le Monde reported that a suicide bomber detonated outside the district court after being stopped, killing 12 people and wounding 27 when he struck a police vehicle.
Several Pakistani outlets and wire services recorded similar timings and eyewitness descriptions.
Authorities said CCTV footage and forensic work are under way.
Raids in Rawalpindi led to arrests of suspected facilitators, and Naqvi and other leaders called for rapid justice.
Political fallout and accusations
Political reaction has been sharp and polarised.
Interior and defence ministers publicly blamed Afghan nationals and accused India-backed elements and Taliban proxies, with some officials warning of military options.
Khaama Press and The Daily Jagran relayed Naqvi and the Prime Minister's accusations that Afghan-based militants and India-backed elements were involved.
Geo News and STV News reported Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declaring Pakistan in a state of war.
Kabul either did not immediately comment or denied harbouring Pakistani militants.
ABC News reported that Kabul had no immediate comment, while The Straits Times cited an Afghan spokesman saying the Afghan Taliban denied that Pakistani militants operate from their soil.
These competing narratives have further strained already fragile Pakistan–Afghanistan ties.
Regional fallout of attacks
Analysts and many outlets place the attacks in the wider context of stalled peace talks, a fragile ceasefire, and recent cross‑border clashes.
“a Qatar-brokered ceasefire was agreed Oct. 19 but recent peace talks in Istanbul failed after Afghanistan refused to give written guarantees that militants would not use its soil for attacks in Pakistan.”
Arab News and the Associated Press reported that a Qatar‑brokered ceasefire and rounds of Istanbul talks have failed to produce written guarantees or a durable accord.
Outlets such as Modern Diplomacy and The New Arab warned the incidents risk worsening Pakistan–Afghanistan ties and prompting tighter border measures or even cross‑border operations.
International condemnation was recorded by Geo News and others, but immediate priorities remain investigation, arrests, and steps to secure border provinces where militants have resurged.