Islamabad Suicide Bomber Was a Pakistani Citizen Who Had Traveled to Afghanistan: Khawaja Asif

Islamabad — Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the suicide bomber involved in the recent attack in Islamabad was a Pakistani citizen who had traveled to Afghanistan some time ago.

Speaking to the media, Khawaja Asif said the suicide attack was an attempt to hinder Pakistan’s path toward development. He added that the timing of the attack was deliberately chosen when Pakistan had recently signed agreements with two countries, indicating a bid to undermine the country’s progress and stability.

The defence minister alleged that India does not have the courage to launch direct aggression against Pakistan but is instead trying to destabilize peace in the country through proxies and via Afghanistan.

He further stated that the suicide bomber traveled from Nowshera to Islamabad and that authorities have traced and reached the attacker’s relatives as part of the investigation.

Khawaja Asif also said there is coordination between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on counterterrorism matters. He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government now appears to be taking ownership of the fight against terrorism.