A devastating blast erupted outside the district court complex in the G‑11 sector of Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday, leaving at least 12 people dead and 27 wounded, according to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Around midday, a suspected suicide bomber attempted to enter the court premises but, failing to gain entry, detonated an explosive device beside a parked police van at the main gate.
The explosion occurred at a peak hour when many litigants, lawyers and court staff were present leading to immediate chaos, damaged vehicles and wounded civilians strewn across the pavement.
Authorities recovered the bomber’s severed head at the scene, confirming a suicide attack rather than an accidental blast.
Casualties & victims
- 12 confirmed dead.
- At least 27 wounded and undergoing treatment.
- Many victims were civilians entering the courts for hearings, rather than security personnel.
- The blast was felt kilometres away and left a scene of destroyed windshields and burnt‑out vehicles.
The attack is particularly notable because the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad, has been spared from large‑scale militant incidents in recent years. The fact that the blast struck a court complex signals militants’ ability to strike more symbolic and urban targets.
Pakistan’s defence minister declared the country was now in a “state of war” in light of the incident.
Investigations are ongoing. While no group has formally claimed responsibility, the militant Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been cited by local media as the likely perpetrator. Pakistan has also accused neighbouring Afghanistan (and by extension local militants) of providing safe havens.
Official Reaction
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack as “reprehensible” and vowed a strong response.
Interior Minister Naqvi said security agencies were analysing multiple angles, including border infiltration and militant training networks.
