Islamabad suicide attack kills 12 near court complex
A powerful car bomb, confirmed by officials as a suspected suicide attack, exploded outside the district judicial complex in Islamabad, Pakistan, leading to 12 deaths and 27 injuries. The casualties were predominantly civilians near the court. Prime Minister Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist act, which occurred just hours after security forces thwarted an attack on a cadet college nearby.
A powerful car bomb detonated at the entrance of the extensive district judicial complex in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing at least 12 people and injuring 27 others. State-run media and officials confirmed the blast, which impacted a busy area near a residential part of the city.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Defence Minister Khawaja M Asif characterized the incident as a "suicide attack." According to Pakistan TV, the victims were mainly passers-by or people who had arrived for court hearings, underscoring the attack’s toll on the civilian population.
Witnesses Describe Scene of Chaos
Witnesses reported scenes of "total chaos" immediately following the explosion. Lawyer Mohammed Shahzad Butt described the blast as "huge," noting that widespread panic ensued. "Everyone started rushing into the building in panic. I saw at least five bodies lying in front of the entrance," he recalled.
Another witness, lawyer Rustam Malik, told the AFP news agency that the blast caused people to flee and damaged several vehicles. "It was complete chaos. Lawyers and people were running inside the complex. I saw two dead bodies lying on the gate and several cars were on fire," Malik recounted.
Government Response and Security Context
Prime Minister Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist act, immediately ordering an investigation and assuring that those responsible "will be brought to justice," according to state media.
The attack followed another security incident just hours earlier, where Pakistani security forces successfully prevented armed fighters from taking cadets hostage at an army-run college in Wana, a city close to the Afghan border. That earlier attack, which involved a bomber, wounded at least 16 civilians.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on social media platform X that the country is "in a state of war," urging citizens to view the Islamabad attack as a "wake-up call." He stressed that the war involves all of Pakistan and expressed doubt regarding the potential for successful negotiations with the rulers of Kabul, suggesting the attack was a deliberate message.
Police confirmed the courthouse was crowded at the time of the explosion. Security forces have cordoned off the area to investigate the cause, and the wounded have been transported to PIMS Hospital.
