In brief
In a devastating incident in Islamabad, a suicide bomber targeting a court detonated explosives, killing 12 and injuring at least 27 others. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reported that the bomber failed to enter the courthouse before the attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suggested links to extremist groups allegedly supported by India, prompting sharp denials from Indian officials. The bombing is considered rare in Islamabad, highlighting ongoing security concerns in Pakistan.
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 reported.
Mohsin Naqvi stated that the bomber attempted to infiltrate the district courthouse but was unable to do so before setting off the explosives.
Naqvi emphasized that authorities are focusing on identifying the bomber and ensuring justice for this heinous act.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has alleged involvement of extremist groups 'actively backed by India' in the attack, a claim vehemently refuted by Indian officials.
In a statement, Sharif condemned these terrorist actions directed at innocent civilians, labeling them as 'unacceptable'.
Jumaat Ul Ahrar, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, although conflicting reports suggest that the TTP's leadership distanced itself from the bombing.
This attack marks a disturbing resurgence of violence in Islamabad, a city that has not seen such suicide bombings in years. Footage from the chaotic scene shows a burnt-out vehicle and distress amongst the crowd shortly after the explosion, which occurred at approximately 12:39 PM local time.
Victims are receiving medical care, and eyewitness accounts describe a scene of panic as lawyers and citizens fled to safety.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has also condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for robust security measures.
