Pakistan offers peace talks to Taliban amid deadly Islamabad bombing

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on November 12 extended an offer for renewed peace talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban government, a week after negotiations in Istanbul collapsed. 

Sharif’s appeal came a day after a suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured 27, underscoring the country’s ongoing security challenges, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Speaking to parliament, Sharif stressed that Pakistan seeks regional peace and urged Afghanistan to rein in militants operating from its territory. “Let us sit with sincere hearts, rein in terrorism, and work together for peace and prosperity in the region,” he said. There was no immediate response from Kabul.

The Islamabad bombing, which occurred at the district court on the city’s edge, highlighted the persistent threat of high-profile attacks despite security operations. Forensic teams continue to investigate, while funeral prayers were held for the victims.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi blamed “Indian-backed elements and Afghan Taliban proxies” linked to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), although evidence has not been presented. The TTP denied involvement, while a breakaway faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, initially claimed responsibility but later retracted the statement.

Separately, militants targeted an army-run cadet college in Wana on November 10. Four attackers, including a suicide car bomber, were killed, and over 600 cadets and staff were safely rescued. Authorities noted similarities to the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, though no group has claimed responsibility.

The attacks come amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following alleged Pakistani drone strikes in Kabul in October that led to cross-border clashes before a ceasefire was brokered by Qatar on October 19. Follow-up talks in Istanbul failed to produce progress after Kabul refused to guarantee that militants would not stage attacks from Afghan soil.

Amid security concerns, Pakistan’s parliament also approved a bill to elevate Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to the new post of Chief of Defense Forces, a move opposed by the opposition but defended by the government as enhancing coordination with the navy and air force.

Meanwhile, regional geopolitics are shifting as India and the Taliban-led Afghan government continue to strengthen ties. India upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, the first high-level engagement since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover.

By Vugar Khalilov