Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Symbiha Tahir, has been granted an extension in interim bail in a case regarding anti-state tweets. The Islamabad District and Session Court heard the case, and Tahir was taken into custody. During the court proceedings, Tahir’s counsel requested exemption from personal appearance, which the court granted.
In a related development, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that the Islamabad blast suspect was a Pakistani citizen. Rescue officials reported that four fire brigade vehicles were busy extinguishing the fire, as the factory produced plastic items. In response to the fuel price adjustment in December, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) increased electricity prices by 28 rupees per unit.
Former Pakistani cricket captain, Shahid Afridi, expressed concern, saying that the country cannot tolerate this situation any longer. “How long will we keep issuing condemnatory statements and tweets while the wave of terrorism escalates?” he asked. The Muttahida Ulema Board held a protest against the Islamabad blast at a Lahore road intersection, with senior clerics in attendance.
Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, canceled all her scheduled events for the day. Interior Minister, Mohsin Nagvi, visited the Trelai Imam Bargah in Islamabad after returning from Dubai, and the Sindh government canceled a cultural night program in solidarity with the Islamabad blast victims.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the bomber had detonated himself in the last line of namazis. “God willing, the state will give a befitting response to this injustice,” he said. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that his family has made significant sacrifices for democracy, calling for the elimination of differences based on color, tribe, and religion.
PTI founder Imran Khan underwent treatment for central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye, with doctors recommending follow-up treatment at a hospital. He was transferred to a private medical facility for treatment, which he consented to. Punjab’s senior minister, Maryam Aurangzeb, emphasized that every citizen, youth, and parent has a responsibility to follow the law and ensure their own and others’ safety.
A special ceremony was held at the Pakistan embassy in Vienna, Austria, to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day. The event, led by Pakistan’s Ambassador, Kamran Akhtar, reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for the people of occupied Kashmir. The Inspector General of Islamabad Police revealed that the deceased IG’s cousin was also among the blast victims.
Government sources claim that the bomber had received training in terrorist activities from Afghanistan and had traveled to the country multiple times. On Kashmir Solidarity Day, the Pakistani embassy in Norway organized a panel discussion, moderated by former Norwegian Parliament Vice President, Akhtar Chaudhry.
