A powerful explosion tore through the area outside a court building in Islamabad on Tuesday, killing multiple people and injuring dozens in one of the city’s deadliest attacks in recent months.
The blast occurred outside a district court in the city’s “kachehri” area, where visitors, petitioners, and lawyers were present. Authorities reported that the explosion originated from a vehicle parked near the court premises. Court proceedings were immediately suspended, and everyone inside the building was evacuated through emergency exits.
Initial reports indicate that at least 12 people have been killed and over 20 injured. Some sources, report 11 fatalities and around 13 injured, with the toll expected to rise as hospitals continue to treat the wounded. An emergency has been declared at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) to manage the influx of casualties.
Authorities are investigating the exact nature of the blast, with preliminary reports suggesting it may have been a suicide attack, though this has not been confirmed and no group has claimed responsibility. The attack targeting a judicial institution raises serious concerns about security around government facilities and public access to legal services.
Pakistan has recently faced a series of militant attacks, and the Islamabad blast adds to concerns about national security and counter-terrorism challenges. Investigators are collecting evidence from the site, including vehicle remnants and CCTV footage, while security around other sensitive locations in the city is being heightened.
Details such as the identity of the attacker(s), motive, and the final casualty count remain unclear. Authorities continue to urge caution and have promised updates as the investigation progresses.
This is a developing news.
Sources: Al Jazeera, CNN, and Geo TV.
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