A suicide bombing outside a district courthouse in Islamabad, Pakistan, has killed 12 people and injured at least 27 others, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The attack, which caused widespread panic, is one of the rare suicide incidents in the capital in recent years.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, said the attacker initially attempted to enter the courthouse but was unable to do so. The bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a police car after waiting for about 15 minutes. Footage from the scene showed a burnt-out vehicle, smoke rising behind a security barrier, and emergency services attending to victims in a cordoned-off area.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes outside the court. Lawyer Rustam Malik, who was parking his car at the time, said: “It was complete chaos. Lawyers and people were running inside the complex. I saw two dead bodies lying on the gate and several cars on fire.”
The injured are receiving medical treatment, with authorities working to stabilize them and provide emergency care.
Jumaat Ul Ahrar, a splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), claimed responsibility for the bombing, according to local media. However, two journalists reported that the TTP central leadership denied involvement. Suicide attacks in Islamabad have been rare, with the last major incident occurring three years ago, killing a police officer and injuring several others.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, alleging involvement of extremist groups “actively backed by India,” and described the assault on civilians as “condemnable.” The Indian government denied the claims, calling them “baseless and unfounded.” President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a statement strongly condemning the blast.
The bombing comes amid heightened regional tensions. A separate car explosion in Delhi on Monday killed eight people. Indian authorities have referred the case to the country’s anti-terrorism agency, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Following the Islamabad attack, Pakistani authorities have tightened security around government buildings and courts. Interior Minister Naqvi said identifying the bomber and dismantling connected extremist networks is a top priority. Law enforcement agencies are also reviewing security protocols to prevent future incidents in the capital, where suicide bombings have historically been uncommon.
Analysts note that targeting a courthouse a symbol of the justice system may signal an attempt by militant groups to undermine state authority and instill fear among civilians and legal professionals.
The attack has raised widespread concern over public safety and a possible resurgence of extremist violence in Pakistan.
