S Arefin 
Blasts in Delhi and Islamabad: what happened
A car exploded near New Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, killing at least eight people and injuring many more. Police are investigating under India’s anti-terror law, and the National Investigation Agency is leading the case. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the attack a “conspiracy” and promised accountability. A day later, a suicide bomber struck outside a district court in Islamabad, killing at least 12 and wounding dozens.
Pakistan’s accusation: Indian ‘proxies’ behind Islamabad blast
Pakistan’s leadership quickly blamed “Indian proxies” for the Islamabad bombing, suggesting cross-border involvement aided by sanctuaries in Afghanistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the attacker tried to enter the court but detonated near a police vehicle. Initial claims of responsibility by Pakistan’s Taliban movement were reported, though statements later shifted, adding to confusion. However, officials in Islamabad continue to frame the assault as part of a wider campaign backed by India.
India’s response: terror probe and sweeping security checks
India has not publicly named a culprit for the Delhi blast. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, vehicle ownership, and possible links to earlier explosives seizures. The attack is being probed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and security has been tightened at airports, rail hubs, and government buildings. Meanwhile, Modi and senior ministers convened high-level meetings, and authorities stressed that all angles remain open.
Competing narratives and recent context
The blasts arrive six months after a major India-Pakistan flare-up that featured cross-border strikes and duelling claims. Each government has a long record of accusing the other of supporting armed proxies. In this cycle, Pakistan alleges Indian involvement in the Islamabad attack, while Indian officials emphasise a terrorism investigation in Delhi and reject Pakistani accusations. As a result, both capitals are shaping domestic narratives while urging vigilance.
Claims, counterclaims and the fog of early evidence
Early reporting on the Islamabad blast included a TTP claim of responsibility, though that line later blurred amid denials. Such contradictions are common in the immediate aftermath of attacks, when forensic work is still underway. In Delhi, officials are testing blast residue and identifying the occupants of the car; no group has credibly claimed responsibility. Analysts caution that premature attribution can harden public opinion before facts are established.
What to watch next
Key questions include whether investigators in either capital find operational links to known networks. Any confirmation of cross-border facilitation would escalate diplomatic tension, even if both sides avoid military confrontation. Meanwhile, international outlets note that repeat incidents could push the rivals into another dangerous cycle. For now, authorities in both cities are focused on forensics, interviews, and intelligence leads.
Sources: Reuters/AP News
Image: AP/Manish Swarup
About The Author
Sultanul Arefin 
Suzan Seherin 
