Suicide Bombing at Islamabad Court Complex Kills at Least 12
Islamabad, Pakistan – A suicide attack at the entrance of Islamabad’s District Judicial Complex today resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people and injuries to more than 30 others, escalating tensions in the region.
The explosion occurred at approximately 12:30 PM local time (07:30 GMT) as individuals were entering the complex. Khalid Khan, a 25-year-old lawyer who was waiting for lunch with a friend, described the scene, stating, “I first thought that the roof would collapse on me.” Witnesses reported a powerful blast that shattered windows in courtrooms and scattered debris across the area. Nearly 2,000 people, including judges, lawyers, litigants, and court staff, were inside the complex at the time. This attack highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan’s judicial system.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif immediately blamed “India-backed proxies” operating from Afghanistan for the attack. India swiftly rejected these allegations, with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal calling them “baseless and unfounded” and accusing Pakistan of attempting to divert attention from internal political issues, specifically referencing the debated 27th constitutional amendment which grants lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution to senior military officers. The amendment has drawn criticism from activists and opposition parties who fear it could undermine the Supreme Court; learn more about Pakistan’s political landscape from the Council on Foreign Relations.
Following the attack, authorities cordoned off the area and initiated investigations. Lawyer Muhammad Shehzad Butt, who was heading towards the cafeteria when the explosion occurred, described the scene as “utter pandemonium.” While security checks were reportedly thorough, some witnesses noted an additional layer of screening earlier in the day. Despite the violence, some lawyers, like Khalid Khan, expressed a determination to continue their work, stating, “These things don’t scare us.”
Officials have stated that a full investigation is underway and security measures at judicial complexes across the country are being reviewed.
