A deadly suicide blast struck near the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad on Tuesday, killing 12 people and injuring at least 27 others, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed.
The explosion sent shockwaves through the capital, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and rescue teams.
The minister reached the District Court following the suicide attack that struck the area earlier today. Speaking to the media, the minister confirmed that 12 people were martyred and 27 others injured in the tragic incident. He stated that the suicide bombing occurred at 12:39pm and targeted security personnel stationed outside the court.
Enemies of Pakistan’s peace and stability
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the suicide blast near the Islamabad District Judicial Complex. He expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
The president said that the elements involved in terrorism were enemies of Pakistan’s peace and stability, and their complete elimination was essential.
PM's instructions
“The suicide attacker was attempting to enter the court premises, but when he failed to do so, he detonated explosives near a police vehicle,” Mohsin Naqvi explained.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued special instructions to ensure the best possible medical treatment for all those injured in the blast.
The minister also praised the swift response of the police and rescue teams, emphasizing that the government is determined to bring those responsible for planning the attack to justice.
According to police, the injured have been shifted to PIMS Hospital for medical treatment. Emergency units, bomb disposal squads, and forensic teams have cordoned off the area and launched a detailed investigation.
Police confirm casualties
Senior police officials at the scene confirmed that 12 people lost their lives in the attack. Authorities are in the process of identifying the victims.
“The area has been sealed, and evidence is being collected from the blast site,” a police spokesperson said, adding that forensic experts are examining the nature and composition of the explosives used in the attack. The police also claimed to have found the head of the alleged suicide bomber.
Security forces immediately secured the blast perimeter to prevent further harm and ensure the safety of civilians in nearby offices and residential areas. Ambulances and rescue workers were seen transporting the injured to hospitals within minutes of the explosion.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as emergency vehicles arrived and police urged bystanders to vacate the vicinity of the District Judicial Complex.
Initial investigation report
According to the preliminary investigation, the suicide bomber arrived at the courthouse on foot and sat near the main gate for some time before the explosion.
Security personnel were conducting routine checks on individuals entering the premises, and it appears the attacker intended to enter the courthouse but was stopped due to strict security screening.
Unable to proceed further, the attacker detonated the explosives on the road outside the courthouse. At the time of the blast, around 35 to 40 people were present in the area, according to the initial report.
Security tightened across capital
Following the blast, security has been heightened across Islamabad, particularly around government offices, judicial buildings, and high-security zones. Law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent any follow-up attacks.
