Islamabad was shaken on Tuesday by a suicide blast outside the G-11 courthouse, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people and left 21 others injured, according to police and rescue officials.
Authorities reported that the attacker attempted to enter the courthouse but was stopped by security personnel. When denied entry, the bomber detonated explosives near a police vehicle, causing widespread casualties among those nearby.
Rescue teams, including Rescue 1122 and other emergency services, quickly responded to the scene. The injured were rushed to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital, where an emergency was declared. A heavy police presence was deployed at the hospital to manage security and assist with the influx of victims.
Among the injured were three police officers, underscoring the risks faced by law enforcement during such attacks. Forensic experts have been called to examine the site, and investigators are working to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as ambulances and police vehicles transported victims to the hospital. Officials confirmed that 12 bodies were shifted to PIMS, while the injured were admitted to the emergency ward for urgent treatment.
Authorities have linked the attack to Fitnat-ul-Khawarij, a group allegedly backed by external elements and associated with the Afghan Taliban. The group has previously been accused of targeting civilians and security forces in Pakistan.
Security in the capital has been tightened following the blast, with police pledging to reinforce courthouse protection and prevent further attempts at destabilization.