Pakistan blames India after deadly Islamabad market blast kills 18

A powerful explosion ripped through a busy market area in Islamabad on Monday evening, killing at least 18 people and injuring more than 40, officials said.

The blast occurred near the Aabpara Market, close to several government offices and security installations. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as ambulances rushed to the site and police cordoned off the area.

In an emergency press conference, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah alleged that the attack was “planned and funded by Indian intelligence agencies” to “sow panic and instability” in Pakistan.

“Initial investigations and intelligence intercepts point towards Indian involvement,” Sanaullah said, adding that the government would share evidence with international organizations “in due course.”

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, Pakistan’s security agencies said they are investigating possible links to militant groups operating in the border regions.

Indian officials have not immediately responded to the allegations, though New Delhi has previously dismissed similar claims as “baseless and politically motivated.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it “a cowardly act against innocent civilians.” He vowed that Pakistan would respond “with full force” against those responsible.

The explosion comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following renewed skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) and diplomatic disputes over Kashmir.

Security across major Pakistani cities has been tightened, and bomb squads have been deployed in Islamabad to prevent further attacks.