ISLAMABAD: At least 12 people were martyred and dozens injured in a suicide blast outside the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad on Tuesday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, Naqvi said the explosion occurred at approximately 12:39 p.m. after the attacker was prevented from entering the courthouse premises.

“The suicide bomber failed to enter the judicial complex and detonated himself near a police vehicle,” Naqvi said.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure the “best possible medical care” for the injured, and added that identifying the attacker and tracing support networks remains a priority.

“The perpetrators of this attack will be exposed,” he said. “Investigators are examining multiple leads linked to the incident. If any foreign element is found involved, it will not be forgiven.”

Preliminary report, IG statement

According to a preliminary report cited by Pakistani broadcaster Geo News, investigators say the suicide attacker was from Bajaur. He arrived in Islamabad on Friday and traveled from Pirwadhai junction in the Rawalpindi-Islamabad area to the G-11 Judicial Complex on a motorcycle. Sources said he was wearing a covering sheet.

Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IG) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said the blast involved up to 8 kilograms of explosives and ball bearings. Evidence collected so far indicates a single attacker. A motorcycle and a car are considered suspicious, and evidence is being gathered via camera backtracking, with forensic, CTD, Safe City, and other agencies reviewing the findings.

Surveillance footage released

CCTV footage released by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) shows the road outside the judicial complex where a police van was parked. Moments later, an off-white 1995 Toyota Corolla sedan approached the vehicle, appearing to attempt entry into the complex. The car then exploded, triggering the blast captured in the video.

‘Wakeup call’

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the attack underscores ongoing national security challenges.

“We are in a state of war,” he said in a statement on X. “Anyone who believes this war is confined to border regions must see today’s attack as a wake-up call.”

Emergency declared at PIMS

An emergency was declared at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), spokesperson Dr. Mubashir Daha said. PIMS Executive Director Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar is personally overseeing emergency care.

“All available resources are being utilized to ensure the best possible care for the victims,” Dr. Daha said.

The number of injured has risen to 30, according to updated hospital figures.

President, PM condemn attack

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, offered condolences to families of the martyred, and paid tribute to security personnel.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linked the attack to India-backed militant networks.

“The attacks in Wana and now in Islamabad were carried out by India-backed groups, Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan,” he said. “We will not let the blood of innocent Pakistanis go in vain.”

Global condemnation

A number of countries, including US, China and Russia, and international partners condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Pakistan.

Qatar condemned the attacks in Islamabad and Wana and reaffirmed its rejection of terrorism.

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri called terrorism a regional threat and urged united action, while offering deep condolences.

Australia expressed solidarity and support for community safety.

The United States condemned the blast and pledged continued support for Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism.

China extended condolences and wished the injured a quick recovery.

The European Union expressed sadness over the loss of lives and conveyed sympathy to the families.

The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan stated:

“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack at G-11 Judicial Complex in Islamabad. We hope those who organized this attack will be identified and brought to justice. We express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish those injured a speedy recovery.”

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At least 12 martyred, dozens injured in Islamabad suicide bombing: interior minister