A suicide blast rocked the federal capital on Tuesday, leaving at least 12 martyred and 36 injured outside the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad’s G-11 area, said a spokesperson for the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims).
A total of 36 people injured in the Islamabad district court blast were brought to Pims Hospital, Dr Mubashir Daha said.
A total of 36 people injured in the Islamabad district court blast were brought to PIMS Hospital, spokesperson Dr Mubashir Daha said.
He confirmed that 18 of the injured had been discharged after receiving medical treatment. “Four of the injured are in critical condition, while 14 others have been shifted to wards as their condition is now stable,” Dr Daha stated.
According to the hospital spokesperson, 10 victims killed in the explosion have been identified so far, while the identities of two deceased individuals are still being verified.
Speaking to reporters outside the Pims Hospital, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said that overall, 22 injured people are under treatment at the hospital, whereas two victims have been taken to a private hospital by their families.
He also said that the hospital’s disaster ward was opened to facilitate the treatment of the blast victims.
Speaking to the media, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the suicide attack took place at 12:39pm today.
The security czar said the suicide bomber was trying to enter the courthouse, but “when he did not get an opportunity, he attacked a police vehicle”.
Noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to ensure the best medical assistance to those injured, the Naqvi said that the first priority will be to identify the suicide bomber.
“Those behind the court attack will be brought to light,” the minister noted, adding: “There are many links in today’s attack; evidence will be brought to light soon”.
“There are many messages in this attack. If someone from another country is involved, it will not be forgiven,” he warned.
Naqvi further revealed that the suicide bomber remained at the site for 10 to 15 minutes, planning to enter the building before carrying out the attack. He added that the attacker detonated the explosives as soon as a police vehicle arrived.
Earlier, the security czar visited the site of the explosion outside Islamabad’s district courts and directed that the search operation be completed swiftly. Inspector General of Islamabad Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi briefed the minister on the incident.
He also directed authorities to submit a comprehensive investigation report.
Earlier, police said that the explosion occurred in a car parked outside the court.
The injured reportedly included the petitioners and lawyers. The building of the kacheri court was vacated after the explosion. Those present inside the building were being evacuated through the back door of the facility and court proceedings were suspended.
Islamabad deputy inspector general (DIG), chief commissioner and forensic team arrived at the site of the explosion soon after, while the rescue teams and law enforcers shifted the deceased and injured to the hospital.
An emergency has been declared at the capital’s Pims hospital.
Sources later revealed that the “head” of the suspected suicide bomber was found at the place of the explosion.
They said the bombing was carried out by India-backed terrorists and the Afghan Taliban’s proxy, Fitna al-Khawarij.
The attack comes a day after a group of militants infiltrated Wana Cadet College in South Waziristan.
CCTV footage of the suicide blast at Islamabad’s kachehri has surfaced, showing the moments leading up to the deadly explosion.
The video captures a large number of lawyers and citizens present at the site shortly before the blast.
A police mobile can also be seen stationed near the location at the time of the explosion, moments before chaos erupted in the area.
Hours before the explosion at the Islamabad district courts, multiple social media posts originating from Afghanistan hinted at possible militant activity.
