A tragic incident occurred in the Kacheri area of Islamabad on Tuesday, where a suicide blast resulted in the death of at least 12 individuals and left around 30 others injured. The explosion happened near the district and sessions court in the G-11 area, prompting immediate actions from local authorities who sealed off the site. The investigation teams worked to recover body parts that are believed to belong to the suspected bomber, indicating the brutal nature of the attack. Key government officials, including Pakistan’s defense minister and interior minister, labeled the event a 'suicide blast' and described it as a manifestation of internal conflict within the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that medical assistance was being provided to the injured. Many victims were reported to be in critical condition, raising concerns that casualties might increase further.
Witnesses described how the vehicle that exploded quickly caught fire post-blast, engulfing the vicinity in flames. As a result, a significant police and security presence was dispatched to the area, reinforcing safety measures and assisting with the rescue of the injured. Preliminary investigations indicated that the assailant stood outside the court for approximately 12 minutes before launching the attack, first attempting to enter the court building but ultimately targeting a police vehicle instead when entry was denied. This methodology highlights a calculated attack that raises alarms about the security in the heart of Pakistan's capital.
Authorities announced that the area would remain cordoned off for further investigation. Different angles of the incident are being explored, and identifying the bomber is being treated as a top priority. As police officials assessed the damage, it was confirmed that nearby vehicles and motorcycles were also destroyed due to the blast and subsequent fire. In light of these events, there has been no attribution of responsibility from any group yet. Following the attack, President Asif Ali Zardari extended his condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the pressing need for heightened security measures across the region. The defense minister reinforced this sentiment, referring to the attack as a 'wake-up call' for Pakistan, stressing the ongoing risks that jeopardize public safety.
This incident comes just a day after another explosion at the Supreme Court cafeteria, believed to be caused by a gas leak, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety protocols in public spaces. These back-to-back incidents have escalated worries about safety measures and thwarted efforts towards stable negotiations with neighboring regions. As investigations continue, many await a clearer understanding of the attacks' implications on the country's security policy and the safety of its citizens.