Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday said the suicide blast outside the G-11 courthouse in Islamabad — which killed 12 people and injured more than 20 — was a stark reminder that Pakistan remains “at war” and called for a firm, nationwide response.

In a post on X, Khawaja Asif described the attack as a “wake-up call” and warned those who believe the army is fighting only in border or remote Balochistan areas to “wake up”.

He said the blast, which rocked the capital during court hours, underlined that the conflict touches the whole country.

“Pakistan Army sacrifices its lives every day so that the public feels secure and confident,” he wrote, adding that hopes for successful talks with Kabul had diminished in the current climate.

Speaking to reporters later, the minister said the attack sent a clear message to the state and called for seriousness in confronting the threat.

He accused militant groups operating from Afghanistan — particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — of receiving support in Kabul and said those sitting in Kabul were openly active against Pakistan.

“If the Afghan government wished, it could stop terrorism in Pakistan,” Khawaja Asif said.

“Bringing terrorism into Islamabad is a deliberate signal, and Pakistan is capable of responding strongly.”

He warned that the militants were trying to prove that no part of Pakistan was beyond their reach.

The Afghan authorities were trying to escalate the situation, the minister said, adding that the state must now move forward with decisive measures.

Khawaja Asif also reiterated that the country has made enormous sacrifices against terrorism and called for unity in confronting the perpetrators.

He said while there had been some hope of fruitful negotiations with Afghan authorities, the Islamabad courthouse bombing had altered the prospects.