Pakistan: At least 12 dead in attack in Islamabad

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, killing at least twelve people, according to government officials. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the attacker had attempted to enter a courthouse but detonated his explosives outdoors near a police vehicle. Several of the injured are in critical condition, according to a hospital official.

Pakistan Islamabad 2025 | Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stands with other men behind a vehicle — "The attacker wanted to enter the Justice Centre": Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (5th from left) visits the scene of the attack in Islamabad. Image: Farooq Naeem/AFP/Getty Images

The explosive device detonated near the entrance to the district court, which is usually attended by a large number of parties to a trial. Security forces cordoned off the scene, which is also surrounded by several government buildings. Videos and images from local media showed blood-soaked victims next to a police car.

"People ran off in all directions."

"We were in court when we heard a deafening explosion. Everyone panicked and people ran away," a lawyer told the German Press Agency. Videos circulating on social media show a burning car and thick clouds of smoke.

Pakistan Islamabad 2025 | Debris and a destroyed blue police vehicle can be seen in front of a building. — "Deafening explosion": The death toll could rise further, as several injured people are in critical condition, according to a hospital representative . Image: Mohammad Yousuf/AP Photo/picture alliance

The Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the AFP news agency. Judges and lawyers who adhere to the country's "un-Islamic laws" have been targeted, the Islamists reportedly wrote in a statement. They also announced further terrorist attacks until Sharia law, or Islamic legal system, is implemented in the predominantly Muslim country.

A spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban had previously rejected such accusations, denying any involvement in the attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had blamed "terrorist" groups supported by rival India for the attack, without providing any evidence.

Pakistan has been experiencing an increase in violence from militant groups for some time, but the main focus has not been the capital city located in the north of the country for quite a while.

India: Investigations after Monday's attack

The attack in Islamabad follows a massive explosion on Monday in neighboring India . Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced a swift investigation. Investigators are examining the incident in the capital, New Delhi, "quickly and thoroughly," Singh said at a press conference. Those responsible for the "tragedy" will be brought to justice, the minister announced.

India New Delhi 2025 | Behind barrier tape, destroyed and burned-out cars can be seen; a man is photographing the vehicles. — "Swift and thorough investigation": India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced a swift investigation following Monday's explosion in New Delhi. Image: Imtiyaz Khan/Anadolu/picture alliance

The explosion near the historic Red Fort has killed at least eight people and injured 19, according to rescue sources. The Press Trust of India news agency is now reporting twelve deaths. There has been no official confirmation of this figure.

Modi speaks of a "conspiracy"

The cause of the explosion remains unclear. Police stated that an investigation is underway based on anti-terrorism laws. Prime Minister Narendra Modi , during a visit to Bhutan , declared that authorities were getting to the bottom of "the entire conspiracy" and that all those involved would be brought to justice.

Bhutan Thimphu 2025 | Narendra Modi speaks from behind a festively decorated lectern — "All those responsible will be brought to justice": Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi comments on the explosion in his home country during his visit to Thimphu in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Image: Press Information Bureau/REUTERS

Indian Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah said on Monday evening that investigations were proceeding in all directions. He added that it was "very difficult" to determine the cause of the explosion until the forensic samples had been analyzed.

Mutual accusations

Should the explosion prove to be an attack, it would be the first significant security incident since April 22. On that day, 26 mostly Hindu tourists were killed in an attack in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir. India accuses Pakistan of supporting the attack, a charge the government in Islamabad denies.

The attack reignited the decades-long conflict between India and Pakistan over the Himalayan region of Kashmir . India bombed several targets in Pakistan, and Islamabad responded with counterattacks. Seventy people were killed in the heaviest fighting between the two nuclear-armed rivals since 1999. A ceasefire has been in effect since May 10.

jj/pgr (dpa, afp, rtr)