Car bomb outside Islamabad court kills 12; bomber fails entry
Car bomb outside Islamabad court kills 12; bomber fails entry
A deadly car bomb outside a district courthouse in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured at least 27, with officials saying the bomber aimed to enter the court but could not.
A car bomb exploded outside a district courthouse in Islamabad today, killing 12 people and injuring at least 27 others, authorities said. The interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, stated that the attacker intended to strike inside the courthouse but did not manage to gain entry. Emergency services rushed to the scene, cordons were set up, and investigators began collecting evidence from the area, including the burned-out vehicle that carried the blast. The attack marked a rare instance of a high-profile bombing in the capital in recent years, prompting fierce scrutiny of security around legal and government buildings.
Officials described the scene as chaotic, with first responders pulling victims from the debris and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Witnesses reported a loud blast followed by smoke and a heavy police presence as investigators scoured the area for clues that could reveal the motive and identify those responsible. The interior minister underscored that the priority was identifying the bomber and bringing all involved to justice, adding that the investigation would explore possible links to external groups and recent regional talks.
No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack yet. The timing comes amid a tense regional backdrop, and authorities said that a rapid review of security protocols around courts and other sensitive sites would be conducted. The national conversation quickly shifted toward questions about preventive measures, emergency response, and vigilance in crowded public spaces. Citizens expressed a mix of shock and resolve, urging that security be tightened while people continued with daily routines with caution.
As investigators work to establish a clear picture of the events, communities are left to grapple with the impact of violence in a city that prides itself on security and stability. The coming days are expected to bring more details on the victims, the nature of the blast, and the broader security implications for Islamabad.
Cover image source: 12 killed in suicide attack outside court in Pakistan's Islamabad 🔗
