Islamabad, Pakistan — A devastating explosion near a district court has left at least 12 people dead and 27 others injured, marking a significant security incident in the country’s capital. The blast, identified as a suicide attack, occurred just before 1 p.m. local time, according to the Interior Minister.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the attack appears to have been intended for a police vehicle stationed outside the court complex. Witnesses reported chaos unfolding as the explosion echoed through the typically crowded area, which usually buzzes with individuals attending court proceedings.
Onlookers described the scene as chaotic, with one lawyer, Rustam Malik, recounting a loud bang that disrupted the day. He noted the immediate panic among those present, stating that several vehicles caught fire and two lifeless bodies lay near the court’s entrance.
Authorities are probing the incident from multiple angles, recognizing its severity. Naqvi stated that this is not a routine bombing and highlighted the need for a comprehensive investigation, considering the explosion occurred in Islamabad, a city that has faced sporadic violence in the past.
Pakistan is currently grappling with a heightened security crisis, faced with increasing threats from various militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State affiliates. Just days before the court attack, security forces thwarted an attempt to seize hostages at a military-run institution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, near the Afghan border.
This recent attack raises concerns about national security, especially with many recent incidents being attributed to militants crossing over from Afghanistan. Following the Wana incident, which resulted in three fatalities, Naqvi asserted that the connection to Afghan actors in these attacks is increasingly troubling.
The ongoing violence highlights the fragile state of security within the country, as Pakistan continues to contend with the persistent threat of extremism and insurgency. As investigations proceed, the government is under pressure to implement measures that effectively curb such acts of violence in the future.