Chaos Erupts in Heart of Capital: Details of the Islamabad Court Explosion
The explosion in Islamabad occurred around 2:30 PM near the District Judicial Complex, a bustling hub for legal proceedings in Pakistan's capital. Eyewitnesses described a deafening roar that echoed for miles, audible even at the nearby Police Lines Headquarters. "It was like the ground shook beneath us," recounted a court staffer who narrowly escaped injury. "People screamed and ran in panic as smoke billowed from the parking area."
Police officials swiftly attributed the blast to vehicles parked in the court's parking area, where multiple cars were mangled into twisted metal. Rescue teams, including ambulances and fire brigades, descended on the site within minutes, ferrying the injured in Islamabad to nearby hospitals like Polyclinic and PIMS. Security forces cordoned off the entire perimeter, transforming the serene judicial enclave into a fortified zone buzzing with investigators.
Preliminary probes by the bomb disposal squad suggest the suicide attack involved an explosive-laden vehicle detonated remotely or via suicide vest. The grisly find of the attacker’s head—bearing traces of shrapnel and scorch marks—has fueled suspicions of involvement by extremist groups in Pakistan, though no group has yet claimed responsibility. "This was no gas leak; it was a targeted act of terror," a senior Pakistan police officer stated, vowing a thorough investigation into the blast.
Mounting Security Alarms: Recent Explosions in Pakistan and Beyond
This Islamabad court blast is the latest in a string of alarming incidents underscoring vulnerabilities in Pakistan's security landscape. Just seven days prior, on November 4, a powerful gas cylinder explosion rocked the basement canteen of the Supreme Court building in Islamabad, injuring 12 people. The blast triggered widespread panic among judges, lawyers, and visitors, with echoes reverberating through the hallowed halls of justice. While officials ruled it accidental, questions linger about recurring safety lapses in high-security zones.
The pattern extends beyond borders. On Monday, an explosion in Delhi near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort metro station rattled India's capital when a white Hyundai i20 car erupted in flames at 6:52 PM. CCTV footage of the Delhi blast, released Tuesday, captured the vehicle hurtling toward the station before detonating, injuring several pedestrians. Indian authorities are probing possible sabotage, drawing parallels to cross-border terrorism threats.
Closer to home, the Pakistan Army thwarted a major terrorist attack on Army College in Wana, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Sunday. Six Pakistani Taliban fighters—linked to strongholds of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al-Qaeda—stormed the campus aiming to massacre cadets. In a fierce firefight, troops neutralized two assailants and cornered three others, ensuring the safety of all students and staff. Tragically, 16 civilians and several soldiers sustained injuries, with nearby homes suffering collateral damage from stray bullets.
Official Response: Probe Underway Amid Calls for Heightened Vigilance
As the death toll from the suicide attack in Pakistan stands at 12—with many victims identified as lawyers, court employees, and visitors—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the "cowardly assault on justice." In a televised address, he directed the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) to expedite the Islamabad blast investigation, promising swift justice for the perpetrators.
Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan confirmed that the 21 injured are receiving critical care, with five in ICU battling shrapnel wounds and burns. "Our medical teams are working around the clock," he said, urging the public to report suspicious activities.
Experts warn that this spate of blasts in Pakistan signals a resurgence of militant activities, possibly fueled by regional instability in Afghanistan. "The suicide bombing at the court is a direct strike at state symbols," noted counter-terrorism analyst Ayesha Siddiqa. "It demands a recalibration of Pakistan's counter-terrorism strategy."
Community Mourns: A Nation on Edge
In the aftermath, Islamabad residents lit candles outside the cordoned court, honoring the fallen in a vigil for peace. Social media overflowed with hashtags like IslamabadBlast and StopTerrorInPakistan, amplifying calls for unity against extremism in Pakistan.
As debris is sifted for clues and families grieve, the Pakistan court attack serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of normalcy. Will this tragedy spur decisive action against the shadows of terror? Only time—and relentless pursuit of justice—will tell.
