At least 12 people were killed and 27 others injured after a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a district court in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 11, 2025. Pakistani authorities say the blast occurred near the entrance of the court, which is typically crowded with litigants and visitors.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the attacker attempted to enter the court premises but, failing to do so, targeted a police vehicle stationed outside the gates. Officials noted that most casualties were passers-by or individuals arriving for court appointments.

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Immediate Response and Investigation

Security forces and forensic teams rushed to the scene following the explosion. Barbed wire barriers and dividers have been put in place to secure the site and prevent public access. No group has claimed responsibility yet, but similar attacks in the region have been carried out by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions.

A police spokesperson said, “We will provide more details after the forensic report is completed,” highlighting the ongoing investigation into the attack.

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National Reaction

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, expressing “deep condolences with the bereaved families” and praying for the early recovery of the injured. He also paid tribute to law enforcement agencies for their rapid response.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the country as being in a “state of war”, warning that the attack should serve as a wake-up call. He emphasized the continuing threat posed by militants allegedly sheltered by the Afghan Taliban government.

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Escalating Tensions Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

The bombing comes amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Last month, Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, targeting militants including TTP operatives, while the Taliban launched retaliatory attacks. These clashes have killed 50 civilians and wounded 447 on the Afghan side, and caused 23 Pakistani soldier casualties and 29 injuries.

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, remain fragile. Pakistani authorities have criticized the Taliban for failing to prevent cross-border attacks, and the Islamabad bombing may further complicate peace talks.

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Related Security Incidents

The Islamabad attack follows an attempted overnight assault on a cadet college in Wana, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a suicide car bomber and five fighters tried to storm the facility. The area has historically served as a base for the Pakistan Taliban, al-Qaeda, and other armed groups.

Coincidentally, the Islamabad blast occurred just one day after a powerful explosion in India’s capital, New Delhi, near the Red Fort landmark, killing 13 people. Indian authorities invoked counterterrorism laws to investigate the incident, highlighting rising concerns over regional security and cross-border terrorism.