Suicide blast outside Islamabad court kills 12
Twelve people were killed and several others injured in a suicide bombing outside the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad’s G-11 sector this morning, in one of the deadliest attacks on a judicial facility in recent years.
The attack, which occurred near the court’s main gate, was confirmed by senior Islamabad police officials as a suicide blast. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as flames engulfed vehicles and panicked civilians fled the scene.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and President Asif Ali Zardari both swiftly condemned the attack, labelling it a deliberate act of terrorism. President Zardari expressed deep sorrow for the victims and extended condolences to their families, while praising the swift response of law enforcement.
“The nation must remain united in the face of such cowardly acts,” President Zardari said in a statement posted on X. “Our institutions must be protected at all costs.”
Defence Minister Asif described the attack as a “wake-up call,” warning that the threat extends far beyond Pakistan’s border regions. “Anyone who believes the Pakistan Army is fighting this war only in Balochistan or along the Afghan frontier must now understand – the battlefield is here, in the heart of our capital,” he said.
He added that the incident further undermines any prospects for meaningful dialogue with authorities in Kabul, stating, “In this environment, it would be futile to hold out greater hope for successful negotiations.”
Eyewitness Rustam Malik, a lawyer present at the scene, recounted the moment of impact: “As I parked my car and entered the complex… I heard a loud bang on the gate.” He described seeing two bodies near the entrance and multiple vehicles ablaze. “It was complete chaos – lawyers, court staff, and bystanders were running for cover.”
Social media videos circulating online showed thick plumes of smoke rising from a charred vehicle behind a security barrier, with debris scattered across the courtyard. Emergency services rushed to the site, cordoning off the area as forensic teams began their investigation.
The attack has reignited national debate over security around public institutions, particularly courts and government buildings. Authorities have not yet claimed responsibility, but intelligence sources are examining links to extremist networks active in the region.