India Rejects Pakistan’s Allegations Following Islamabad Blast – A Deeper Look into Growing Tensions

On 11 November 2025, a suicide bomber struck outside the district and sessions court complex in the G-11 sector of Islamabad, killing 12 people and injuring dozens. Pakistani authorities described it as the first large-scale civilian attack in the capital in nearly a decade, signalling a serious breach in security. The militant group Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) initially claimed responsibility, though its spokesperson later denied involvement.

In the wake of the attack, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pointed to what he called “Indian-sponsored terrorist proxies” operating from Afghan soil as being behind the bombing. He tied this allegation to another incident the previous day at Cadet College Wana in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In response, the Ministry of External Affairs of India stated: “India unequivocally rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations being made by an obviously delirious Pakistani leadership. It is a predictable tactic.”

A car bomb exploded outside a court complex in Pakistan's Islamabad | Hindustan Times

The Defence and Diplomatic Angle

India’s firm rebuttal is set against its recent security doctrine, under which any future terrorist attack on Indian soil would be treated as an act of war — a stance declared after a major confrontation in May 2025. Recognising this red line, Indian officials appear to be acting with caution rather than immediately reverting to retaliation or formal accusations against Pakistan. The reluctance is partly due to the international backlash India experienced last May when its retaliatory strikes were not backed by publicly disclosed evidence.

From Pakistan’s perspective, the allegation serves multiple internal and external functions: it rallies domestic sentiment, positions Pakistan as a victim of external aggression, and shifts the focus onto India. The narrative also draws in the role of Afghanistan, as Islamabad claims militant groups based in Afghan territory are being supported by India.

Why This Matters for the Region

Firstly, the attack inside Islamabad itself marks a notable escalation in Pakistan’s internal security situation. Civilian casualties in the capital city signal that militants are willing and able to strike high-profile targets well beyond the usual conflict zones.

Secondly, the India-Pakistan dynamic is once again at a flashpoint. The immediate exchange of blame underscores the fragile state of bilateral relations, where mutual accusations of state-sponsored terrorism have become part of a recurring cycle.

Thirdly, the involvement of Afghanistan (or alleged involvement) adds a third dimension to the triangle: Pakistan–India–Afghanistan. Pakistan’s claim that militants based in Afghanistan and backed by India are carrying out attacks elevates the conflict from bilateral to trilateral, with implications for regional stability.

What to Watch Next

Key questions now include whether Pakistan will present verifiable evidence of Indian involvement, and how India will respond if it does – will there be diplomatic escalation, military moves, or patience? Also notable is how Afghanistan will factor in: will Kabul come under pressure to act, or resist Islamabad’s claims? Finally, whether this incident triggers further militant attacks or state responses will determine if we are witnessing an isolated flare-up or a broader deterioration in regional peace.

The MGMM Outlook

The recent suicide bombing outside Islamabad’s district and sessions court, which claimed 12 lives and injured many more, has once again highlighted Pakistan’s internal security vulnerabilities. While Pakistani authorities were quick to point fingers at alleged “Indian-sponsored terrorist proxies” operating from Afghan territory, India has firmly rejected these claims as baseless and politically motivated. This incident is symptomatic of a recurring pattern in Islamabad: militant attacks are rapidly politicized, often used to deflect attention from domestic failings and to portray Pakistan as a victim of external aggression. In reality, the TTP’s ambiguous claims and denials only underscore the murky and dangerous security environment within Pakistan, where civilian areas are increasingly at risk.

From a regional standpoint, these accusations risk exacerbating tensions between India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Pakistan’s narrative positions India as an aggressor in a way that international audiences may find unconvincing, especially given India’s measured response following its recent security doctrine, which treats attacks on its soil as acts of war. By attempting to internationalize the conflict and implicate Afghanistan, Islamabad is not only deflecting responsibility but also heightening instability across South Asia. The focus now shifts to how India and Afghanistan respond, whether with restraint, evidence-based diplomacy, or other measures, as the incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and genuine security reforms in Pakistan.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, India Today)