In brief
In a tragic incident, a suicide bomber detonated their explosives outside a district courthouse in Islamabad, killing at least 12 people and injuring 27 others. The attacker, who failed to breach the courthouse, targeted a police vehicle instead. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attributed the attack to extremist groups supposedly supported by India, a claim that India refuted. Local reports suggest the Pakistani Taliban's splinter group has taken responsibility, although central leadership denies involvement. This event marks one of the rare suicide bombings in Islamabad in recent years.
A suicide attack outside a court in Pakistan's capital Islamabad has killed 12 people and injured at least 27 others, the country's interior minister said.
Mohsin Naqvi announced that the bomber had intended to attack the district courthouse but failed to gain access. Authorities are now prioritizing the identification of the bomber and ensuring that justice is served.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif alleged that extremist groups, which he claims are 'actively backed by India,' were involved in the attack. The Indian government has categorically denied these accusations, labeling them as baseless.
In his statement, Sharif remarked, Terrorist attacks on unarmed citizens of Pakistan by India's terrorist proxies are condemnable. Meanwhile, local media report that Jumaat Ul Ahrar, a splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility. However, two local journalists indicated that TTP's central leadership stated it had no affiliation with the explosion.
Suicide blasts have been infrequent in Islamabad in recent years. Footage from the scene showed the aftermath with a burnt car and police barricades in place.
The injured individuals are receiving medical treatment as authorities reveal that the bomber detonated the explosives close to a police vehicle after waiting for approximately 15 minutes.
A lawyer at the site described the chaos: I heard a loud bang and saw mayhem, with lawyers and citizens running for safety. I witnessed two dead bodies at the gate and several vehicles engulfed in flames.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the incident widely, echoing the sentiments of many who mourn the loss of life.
This attack in Islamabad follows a separate incident in India, where a car exploded in Delhi, killing eight and prompting a response from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assuring justice for the victims.
Despite other suicide attacks within Pakistan since the last major one in Islamabad three years ago, this incident notably highlights ongoing security concerns in the region.
