Islamabad Suicide Attack Orchestrated by TTP Chief: Tarar

News Desk 

Islamabad:  Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said that the recent suicide attack in Islamabad was planned in Afghanistan by banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mehsud.

Addressing a press conference in the federal capital, the minister said the suicide bomber failed to reach his intended target due to heightened security measures. The blast on November 11 outside the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad’s G-11 area claimed at least 12 lives and injured 36 citizens.

Tarar said the attack was planned by Mehsud through his commander, Dadullah, who is currently based in Afghanistan. A joint operation conducted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) led to the arrest of four suspects within 48 hours.

“CTD has arrested Sajidullah alias Shina, Kamran Khan, Muhammad Zali, and Shah Munir,” he said.

According to the minister, Sajidullah travelled to Afghanistan in August 2025 to meet Dadullah and remained in contact with him through an online app. He said Sajidullah had brought the suicide attacker and the explosive vest into Pakistan.

“Sajidullah joined the Afghan Taliban in 2015 and received training in various camps. In 2023, he met Dadullah in Afghanistan,” Tarar said.

He added that Sajidullah and Muhammad Zali later visited Afghanistan with Dadullah, where they met another TTP militant, Abdullah Jan alias Abu Hamza, in Shegal before moving onward to Kabul. Dadullah then conveyed Mehsud’s directives regarding attacks in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Tarar said the suicide bomber, identified as Usman Shinwari from Nangarhar, Afghanistan, was handed the explosive jacket and eventually carried out the attack in G-11. “The terrorists intended large-scale destruction but failed to reach their target,” he noted.

He added that the planning and facilitation of the attack took place entirely in Afghanistan. A video statement of Sajidullah confessing to his role was also shown during the press conference.

Three Militants Behind FC Headquarters Attack Believed to Be Afghan Nationals: KP IG

Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said initial investigations suggest that the three militants who attacked the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Peshawar were likely Afghan nationals.

Speaking to reporters, he said investigators had gathered key evidence, including photographs, fingerprints, and CCTV footage of the suspects. “So far, the investigation indicates all three terrorists appear to be Afghan citizens,” he said.

He added that police had traced the suspects’ movements significantly and were working to determine their entry route into the city. Investigators also identified the location where the militants stayed the night before the attack.

The motorcycle used by the attackers has been seized, and forensic teams have obtained fingerprints from it, Hameed said. However, he clarified that no facilitators had been arrested so far. Input from Geo News website.