Islamabad suicide attack outside courthouse kills 12: What really happened in the shocking blast and what does the video reveal?
Firefighters at the site of an explosion in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday. Image Credit: Agence France-Presse/Getty Images
A devastating suicide attack outside a district court in Islamabad has left at least 12 people dead and 27 others injured, according to Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The blast, which occurred around 12:39 p.m. local time, sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s capital, a city that has not seen such violence in years.
Officials said the bomber attempted to enter the courthouse complex but was stopped by security forces. Failing to breach the entrance, the attacker detonated the explosive device near a police vehicle, just outside the perimeter. The result was a fiery explosion that destroyed nearby cars and shattered the calm of the normally bustling area.
What the Video from Islamabad Shows
Footage circulating on social media and broadcast by local news outlets shows thick plumes of black smoke billowing from a charred vehicle, with police and rescue workers rushing to the scene. The video captures the aftermath of the explosion, twisted metal, shattered glass, and frantic cries as bystanders tried to help the wounded.
Explosion outside Islamabad court. 💥🔥 pic.twitter.com/8vT6gxvsda
— THE UNKNOWN MAN (@Theunk13) November 11, 2025
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. Rustam Malik, a lawyer who was parking his car nearby, said he heard “a loud bang” and saw “flames and smoke rising immediately.” He added that it took only seconds for panic to spread among people gathered near the court gates.
READ ALSO
Authorities Vow Justice and Tighten Security
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the act and said authorities are working to identify the bomber and their network. “Those responsible will be brought to justice,” he declared during a press briefing. Security forces have since sealed off the area and begun an investigation, with forensic teams collecting evidence from the wreckage.
Naqvi also revealed that the attacker waited nearly 15 minutes near the court’s entrance, possibly targeting a police patrol. This suggests a level of planning that has alarmed security officials, given that Islamabad has been largely peaceful in recent years following major anti-terror operations.
Rare Attack Raises Concerns Over Resurgent Militancy
Suicide bombings in the capital have become increasingly rare over the past decade, with Pakistan seeing a decline in large-scale militant attacks. However, this latest explosion has reignited concerns about resurgent extremist groups seeking to destabilize the government.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, offering condolences to the victims’ families and praising law enforcement for preventing what could have been an even more catastrophic incident. The Ministry of Interior has directed all major cities to heighten security around courts and government buildings.
International Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
Global reactions have begun pouring in, with neighboring countries and international organizations expressing solidarity with Pakistan. Rescue teams, police, and intelligence units remain active at the scene, while hospitals in Islamabad have issued urgent calls for blood donations for the injured.
Officials confirmed that most victims were civilians and police officers who were in the vicinity of the courthouse. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility, but authorities suspect the involvement of militants linked to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out similar attacks in the past.
FAQ
1. What happened in Islamabad today?
A suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a district court in Islamabad, killing 12 people and injuring 27 others. The attack occurred at around 12:39 p.m. local time, near a police car parked outside the courthouse.
2. Where exactly did the blast occur in Islamabad?
The explosion took place outside the district courthouse in the heart of Islamabad, near the judicial complex and local government offices.
3. What does the video of the Islamabad attack show?
Videos from the scene show smoke rising from a burnt-out vehicle, with police officers and rescue teams rushing to evacuate victims. The footage captures the immediate aftermath of the explosion, debris scattered across the road, and heavy emergency response activity.
4. Who claimed responsibility for the Islamabad court bombing?
As of now, no militant group has claimed responsibility. However, authorities suspect involvement by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or affiliated extremists.
5. What did the Pakistani government say about the attack?
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the death toll and vowed to identify and punish those behind the attack. President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a strong condemnation, calling it a “cowardly act of terror.”
6. How many people were killed and injured?
According to official reports, 12 people were killed and at least 27 injured. Several of the injured are being treated in hospitals, some in critical condition.
7. Is Islamabad safe now after the bombing?
Security has been tightened across the capital, with increased checkpoints and heightened police presence around courts and government buildings. Authorities have assured residents that Islamabad remains secure and under control.
8. How rare are suicide attacks in Islamabad?
Such attacks have become rare in recent years due to improved counterterrorism operations. This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks in Islamabad in over five years.