NATIONAL NEW/CRIME
ISLAMABAD: A suicide bomber detonated explosives near the District Judicial Complex on Tuesday, leaving 12 people dead and at least 27 others injured, according to initial reports from authorities.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who visited the site shortly after the blast, confirmed the casualty count and stated that the attack occurred at 12:39pm. He said the bomber appeared to target security personnel stationed outside the court.
According to the minister, the attacker attempted to enter the court premises but was stopped during routine security checks. Unable to get through, he detonated the explosives next to a police vehicle parked near the entrance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed hospitals to provide full medical support to the wounded. Rescue teams and police responded immediately, moving the injured to PIMS Hospital and securing the area for forensic examination.
A police spokesperson reported that evidence had been collected from the scene and that the head of the suspected bomber had been recovered. Authorities are working to identify the victims and determine the composition of the explosives used.
Witnesses described moments of panic as emergency vehicles arrived and officers cleared the vicinity around the heavily frequented judicial complex.
Early findings suggest the attacker approached the gate on foot and waited nearby before triggering the blast. Around 35 to 40 people were in the area at the time.
Security across Islamabad has been tightened, particularly around government buildings, courts, and sensitive installations, as law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to guard against further threats.
