Tragic Blast Outside Islamabad Courthouse Takes 12 Lives
A devastating explosion occurred outside a courthouse in Islamabad, resulting in 12 fatalities. The blast, which took place near a police vehicle, also left 27 individuals wounded. The attack is one of the many recent violent incidents plaguing the country.
Despite the surge in violence, no group has yet claimed responsibility for this midday blast. The authorities are grappling with an increasingly active Pakistani Taliban, rising border tensions, and a shaky ceasefire with adjacent Afghanistan. The Pakistani Taliban, however, has denied any involvement in this attack.
Chaos and Confusion Post-Explosion
Witnesses recounted the pandemonium that ensued following the explosion, which could be heard from miles away. The area surrounding the courthouse is typically teeming with hundreds of people attending court hearings, especially during the busy midday period.
The assailant allegedly attempted to infiltrate the court premises but instead targeted a police vehicle upon failing to do so. The interior minister suggested that this attack was orchestrated by elements supported by India and proxies of the Afghan Taliban tied to the Pakistani Taliban. However, all aspects of the explosion are being thoroughly investigated.
Swift Response to the Attack
Immediately after the explosion, police swiftly cordoned off the area surrounding the courthouse as smoke billowed into the sky. The victims were primarily bystanders or individuals who were there for court appointments. Ambulances quickly arrived at the scene to assist the many severely injured individuals crying out for help.
The discovery of a severed head nearby, believed to be that of the attacker, confirmed the nature of the blast being a suicide attack. CCTV footage later revealed the attacker's movements at the site.
Prevented Attack at a Military College
In a separate incident, security forces in Pakistan thwarted an attempt by militants to seize cadets at a military college. A suicide car bomber and five other assailants targeted the institution in a northwestern province. The Pakistani Taliban, a distinct militant group in alliance with the Afghan Taliban, was blamed for this attempt. However, this group also denied any involvement in the attack.
Prime Minister Calls for Justice
The Prime Minister expressed strong condemnation for both attacks and called for an exhaustive investigation. He vowed to swiftly bring those responsible to justice, stating that attacks on unarmed civilians are "reprehensible" and that the sacrifices of innocent Pakistanis will not go unnoticed.
Accusations were made against the Taliban government in Afghanistan, which is allegedly providing shelter to the Pakistani Taliban. Despite these allegations, Afghanistan denies protecting this group.
Recent Surge in Militant Attacks
In recent years, Pakistan has experienced a significant increase in militant attacks. The most lethal assault on a school took place in 2014 when a splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban killed 154 people, primarily children, at an army-run school in Peshawar.
Tensions have been escalating between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad holds Kabul responsible for drone strikes that resulted in numerous fatalities in the Afghan capital. Despite ongoing peace talks, these two countries have not yet reached an agreement due to Kabul's refusal to guarantee that militant groups will not use Afghan territory against Pakistan.