Deadly Suicide Bombing Rocks Islamabad in Tragic Attack
A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded 27 others outside a district court in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Tuesday, marking another deadly attack in the country's ongoing struggle with terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the attack happened at 12:39 PM local time in the Kachehri area, where the court building is located. He spoke to reporters at the scene shortly after the blast.
The bombing targeted one of Islamabad's busiest judicial areas, where hundreds of people gather daily for court proceedings. District courts handle most civil and criminal cases in Pakistan's legal system, making them crowded public spaces.
Pakistan has faced waves of terrorist attacks over the past two decades, though the frequency dropped significantly after major military operations against militant groups. But recent months have seen a concerning uptick in violence, particularly near the Afghan border.
The attack comes as Pakistan grapples with economic challenges and political instability. Security incidents in major cities like Islamabad often rattle investor confidence and complicate the government's efforts to attract foreign investment.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing yet. Pakistani authorities typically launch immediate investigations after such attacks, often leading to arrests within days.
Layla Al Mansoori