Islamabad, Pakistan – At least 12 people were killed and more than 30 injured after a suicide bomber struck the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad on November 11, 2025. The attack occurred around 12:30 pm local time and has sent shockwaves across South Asia, with Pakistan blaming “India-backed proxies” operating from Afghanistan.

---

Chaos and Panic at the Court Complex

Witnesses described pandemonium as the blast shook the judicial complex. Khalid Khan, a 25-year-old lawyer, recounted waiting for lunch with a friend when the explosion occurred:

“I first thought that the roof would collapse on me.”

Another lawyer, Muhammad Shehzad Butt, said:

“It was utter pandemonium. People were trying to exit the complex, causing havoc at the gate, while others tried to get back inside the building.”

Videos shared on social media show flames and smoke rising from a vehicle near the entrance and lawyers rushing to assist victims amid heavy security presence. At the time, nearly 2,000 people were inside the complex, including judges, litigants, and staff.

---

Pakistan Blames India and Afghanistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused “India-backed proxies” in Afghanistan of orchestrating the attack. India rejected the allegations, calling them “baseless and unfounded”. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said Islamabad was attempting to deflect attention from domestic political turmoil, including a contentious constitutional amendment granting immunity to top military officials and establishing a parallel Federal Constitutional Court.

---

Security and Response

Authorities cordoned off the area immediately after the blast, preventing journalists from approaching the site. Witnesses reported that security checks were unusually thorough that morning, possibly due to VIP visits, but the suicide bomber still breached the entrance.

Despite the attack, many lawyers expressed resilience. Khalid Khan said:

“We have seen enough of this [violence]. These things don’t scare us.”

---

Regional Implications

The blast has heightened tensions across South Asia, with Pakistan pointing to external involvement from Afghanistan and India. The attack follows a car explosion in India on November 10 that killed at least 13 people, further straining diplomatic relations.