Pakistan says it has made a "major breakthrough" in its investigation into the deadly bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on Friday. Four individuals have been arrested as part of the operation, which military officials claim is aimed at uncovering those behind the attack that killed over 30 worshippers and injured hundreds.
The authorities say the planning, training, and indoctrination for the attack took place in Afghanistan, under what they describe as "Afghan Taliban patronage." They also accuse India of sponsoring the attack, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi saying Pakistan has shared evidence showing that terrorism in the country is backed by New Delhi.
However, India has rejected the accusations, calling them "baseless and pointless." The Indian government says it condemns the attack and offers condolences to the victims, but accuses Pakistan of trying to shift attention away from its own internal issues.
The arrest of the four individuals brings a measure of comfort to the families of those killed in the bombing. Thousands gathered at the mosque on Saturday to pay their respects to the victims, many of whom were killed by the blast.
Security authorities have been conducting raids and making arrests in various parts of Pakistan, including Peshawar and Nowshera. The operation is seen as a major step forward in the investigation into the attack, which is being described as one of the deadliest in Islamabad since 2008.
The government has pledged to bring those responsible for the bombing to justice, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying that the perpetrators will be brought to account and their nefarious designs will never succeed. The President also acknowledged the global messages of condolence and solidarity sent by other countries, which are reinforcing Pakistan's commitment to peace and unity.
The attack has raised fears of a return to violence in Pakistan's major urban centers, with some residents saying that innocent civilians are being targeted. The authorities have promised to strengthen security measures and investigate all possible leads in the case.
The authorities say the planning, training, and indoctrination for the attack took place in Afghanistan, under what they describe as "Afghan Taliban patronage." They also accuse India of sponsoring the attack, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi saying Pakistan has shared evidence showing that terrorism in the country is backed by New Delhi.
However, India has rejected the accusations, calling them "baseless and pointless." The Indian government says it condemns the attack and offers condolences to the victims, but accuses Pakistan of trying to shift attention away from its own internal issues.
The arrest of the four individuals brings a measure of comfort to the families of those killed in the bombing. Thousands gathered at the mosque on Saturday to pay their respects to the victims, many of whom were killed by the blast.
Security authorities have been conducting raids and making arrests in various parts of Pakistan, including Peshawar and Nowshera. The operation is seen as a major step forward in the investigation into the attack, which is being described as one of the deadliest in Islamabad since 2008.
The government has pledged to bring those responsible for the bombing to justice, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying that the perpetrators will be brought to account and their nefarious designs will never succeed. The President also acknowledged the global messages of condolence and solidarity sent by other countries, which are reinforcing Pakistan's commitment to peace and unity.
The attack has raised fears of a return to violence in Pakistan's major urban centers, with some residents saying that innocent civilians are being targeted. The authorities have promised to strengthen security measures and investigate all possible leads in the case.