At least 12 people were killed and 27 others injured in a powerful suicide bomb attack outside a court complex in Islamabad’s G-11 sector on Tuesday afternoon. The explosion, which targeted a police van stationed near the court premises, has sent shockwaves across Pakistan’s capital and raised fresh security concerns amid an uptick in militant violence.
The Attack
According to Islamabad Police, the attacker arrived at the District and Sessions Court around 12:30 pm, attempting to enter the court building. When denied access by security personnel, the bomber reportedly waited outside for nearly 10 to 15 minutes before detonating his explosive vest next to a police vehicle.
The blast was so strong that it shattered windows of nearby buildings and damaged several parked cars. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with people running for cover and ambulances rushing to the site.
CCTV footage has reportedly captured the attacker moments before the explosion, which police say will help in identifying his movements and possible handlers.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Islamabad police officials confirmed that the 12 deceased include police officers, lawyers, and civilians, while 27 others were injured, some critically. The injured were immediately taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital, where emergency has been declared.
Hospital authorities said several victims sustained serious burns and shrapnel injuries, while forensic experts collected body parts of the bomber to confirm his identity through DNA testing.
Government and Political Reaction
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed the Interior Ministry to submit a full report. He also visited PIMS hospital to meet the injured and assured that the government would “not rest until the masterminds are punished.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while speaking to reporters at the blast site, said:
“This was not a small explosion. The attacker carried a high-intensity explosive device. We are examining every detail carefully. Such cowardly attacks will not break our resolve.”
President Asif Ali Zardari and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “message from Kabul,” hinting at cross-border militant support from Afghanistan. Both leaders blamed the Afghan Taliban for sheltering Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operatives, who they said were behind the growing violence inside Pakistan.
Claim of Responsibility
A few hours after the explosion, the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) claimed responsibility in a statement circulated to local journalists. The group said the attack targeted “court officials and police personnel” involved in cases against its members.
Security officials believe the attack was planned and coordinated from across the Afghan border, as part of the TTP’s renewed campaign against Pakistani law enforcement agencies and judiciary institutions.
Investigation and Security Measures
Following the attack, police and bomb disposal squads cordoned off the area, while forensic teams collected evidence from the site. Initial investigations confirm that the attacker was wearing a suicide vest containing high-grade explosives mixed with ball bearings to maximize casualties.
Authorities have also increased security across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, especially near courts, police stations, and government offices. Entry and exit points of the capital have been sealed for intensive checking.
Background
Pakistan has witnessed a resurgence of militant violence in recent months, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where security forces have been battling TTP-linked groups. Just a day earlier, on 10 November, security forces foiled a major attack on an army college in South Waziristan, killing two militants.
The Islamabad court blast marks one of the deadliest attacks in the capital since the 2014 F-8 district court bombing, underscoring the militants’ ability to strike even in high-security zones.