Pakistan Warns Afghanistan of Retaliation After Twin Terrorist Attacks in Islamabad and South Waziristan

Islamabad: Amid escalating regional tensions, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Islamabad could carry out operations inside Afghanistan after two deadly terror attacks shook the country within 48 hours. One attack targeted Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, while another struck the heart of the capital, Islamabad.

Speaking to Geo News, Asif alleged that the militants responsible for the recent bloodshed were being supported by the Afghan Taliban leadership. “We will pay back in the same coin,” he declared, warning both Afghanistan and India against “any misadventure.”

While clarifying that Pakistan had no intention of initiating unprovoked aggression, Asif said cross-border military actions “could not be ruled out” following the twin assaults. He dismissed Kabul’s condemnation of the attacks, calling it “insincere and meaningless.”

“Pakistan Will Not Start, But Will Respond”

Reiterating his government’s stance, the defense minister stated, “Pakistan will never initiate any military adventure. But if provoked, we will respond forcefully and decisively.”

The remarks came shortly after two major terrorist strikes rocked the country — one in Islamabad and another at Cadet College Wana in South Waziristan, intensifying security concerns nationwide.

Explosion Rocks Islamabad Judicial Complex

A powerful suicide bombing near the Islamabad Judicial Complex on Tuesday killed at least 12 people and injured over 25, mostly lawyers, according to Pakistani media. Officials confirmed that the blast was the result of a suicide attacker who detonated explosives near a parked vehicle at around 12:30 p.m. during the busiest time of the day.

The explosion, heard up to six kilometers away, sent shockwaves across the capital. Witnesses reported scenes of panic and chaos as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Blames India

Hours after the attacks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly accused India of orchestrating the violence. He alleged that “Indian-backed militants” operating from Afghan soil were behind both Monday’s attack on the cadet college and Tuesday’s suicide blast in Islamabad.

“No condemnation is enough for these attacks being carried out from Afghan soil under Indian patronage,” Sharif said in a statement quoted by APP, though he provided no concrete evidence to support his claims.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister: “We Are at War”

Following the attacks, Khawaja Asif issued a strong message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), asserting that Pakistan was already engaged in a war against terrorism. “We are at war right now,” he wrote. “The suicide attack in Islamabad should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who believes the Pakistan Army is fighting this war only in the border regions of Afghanistan or Balochistan.”

He emphasized that the ongoing anti-terror campaign was a “national mission” and lauded the sacrifices of security forces in safeguarding the country. “Our soldiers’ sacrifices are what give the nation its sense of security,” Asif added.

Message from Kabul: “Attacks Are a Signal”

The minister also questioned the sincerity of any peace dialogue with the Afghan Taliban, asserting that the Islamabad bombing carried a direct political message. “The rulers of Kabul can stop terrorism in Pakistan,” Asif said, “but bringing this war all the way to Islamabad is a message from Kabul. Pakistan, by the grace of God, has the full capability to respond.”

Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Deepen

This latest warning marks another flashpoint in already strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. In mid-October 2025, Pakistan conducted airstrikes across the border in Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces, citing intelligence on Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants allegedly using Afghan soil to launch cross-border raids.

The airstrikes, which killed at least 10 civilians including local athletes, were condemned by the Taliban government as a “blatant violation” of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Kabul accused Islamabad of undermining regional peace and showing “no genuine intent” for dialogue.

Aftermath: Escalation Along the Durand Line

The latest cycle of violence has reignited tensions along the Durand Line, the contested border separating Pakistan and Afghanistan. Following the October airstrikes, Pakistan increased its troop presence and air patrols, while Kabul responded by summoning Pakistan’s envoy and expelling its ambassador.

Observers warn that the current situation risks sparking a broader regional conflict if diplomatic communication remains stalled. Analysts also caution that growing mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul could embolden militant networks such as the TTP and IS-Khorasan, undermining counterterrorism cooperation in the region.

Regional Fallout and Future Outlook

As both nations exchange accusations, fears of a new wave of instability loom large across South Asia. With Islamabad blaming both India and Afghanistan for the latest attacks, the crisis underscores Pakistan’s growing internal security challenges and fragile regional diplomacy.

For now, Khawaja Asif’s warning—“We will pay back in the same coin”—marks a stark message of intent, signaling that Pakistan’s patience with cross-border terrorism may be running out.