A devastating suicide attack outside Islamabad’s district court has left at least 12 people dead and 27 others injured, according to Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The explosion occurred near the court complex on Tuesday afternoon, shaking the capital and reviving fears of a resurgence in militant activity.
Summary Table
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | District Court, Islamabad |
| Date/Time | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – 12:39 PM local time |
| Casualties | 12 killed, 27 injured |
| Perpetrator | Suspected suicide bomber |
| Claimed By | Jumaat Ul Ahrar (splinter of TTP) – yet unconfirmed |
| Prime Minister’s Statement | Accused “India-backed extremist groups” |
| India’s Response | Denied allegations as “baseless” |
| President’s Reaction | Condemned the attack; called for stronger counterterrorism measures |
| Status | Investigation ongoing |
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
Authorities said the attacker attempted to enter the district courthouse but was stopped by security personnel. Unable to breach the building, the bomber detonated the explosives near a police vehicle, killing several officers and civilians on the spot.
Video footage from the scene showed thick plumes of smoke rising from a burnt-out car, with police quickly cordoning off the area. Emergency teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where several victims remain in critical condition.
Naqvi said the government was committed to identifying the bomber and any accomplices, promising swift justice.
“We will ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” Naqvi stated.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, describing it as “a cowardly assault on innocent citizens.” Sharif further alleged that extremist groups supported by India were behind the attack — an accusation swiftly rejected by New Delhi.
The Indian government spokesperson dismissed the claims as “baseless and unfounded,” urging Pakistan to avoid politicizing acts of terrorism.
In his statement, Sharif said:
“Terrorist attacks on unarmed citizens of Pakistan by India’s terrorist proxies are condemnable and will not deter us from fighting terrorism.”
Confusion Over Responsibility
A splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) known as Jumaat Ul Ahrar reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing through local media outlets. However, two journalists told BBC that the TTP’s central leadership denied involvement, distancing itself from the explosion.
This contradiction has led to uncertainty about which group orchestrated the attack, though analysts suggest it bears the hallmarks of previous militant operations in the region.
Witness Accounts: “Complete Chaos”
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and devastation following the blast.
Rustam Malik, a lawyer who was parking his car nearby, told AFP:
“There was a loud bang — it was complete chaos. Lawyers and people were running inside the complex. I saw two dead bodies lying on the gate, and several cars were on fire.”
The explosion occurred around 12:39 PM local time (07:39 GMT), according to police reports.
A Rare Incident in Recent Years
Suicide bombings in Islamabad have been relatively rare in recent years, thanks to heightened security and counterterrorism efforts. However, this incident has raised fresh concerns about resurgent extremist networks and regional instability, especially amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.
Official Condemnations
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the bombing, calling it a “cowardly attack” against the state and its people. He urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to eliminate terrorism from the country.
Interior Minister Naqvi said the attacker waited nearly 15 minutes before detonating the explosives, possibly to target law enforcement officials. He confirmed that all 27 injured individuals are receiving medical care in Islamabad hospitals.
International Reactions Expected
While international leaders have yet to issue detailed responses, diplomatic observers anticipate condemnations from key allies, including the United States and European Union, given the sensitivity of terror incidents in Pakistan’s capital city.
Security experts warn that such attacks could destabilize Pakistan’s fragile security gains and complicate regional diplomacy, especially if political rhetoric between Islamabad and New Delhi intensifies.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3x6102p3ko
