A tragic day for Pakistan’s capital. A powerful explosion outside the F-8 District Courts complex in Islamabad has killed at least five people and injured more than a dozen others, officials have confirmed.
The blast struck just before noon, shaking nearby buildings and sending panic through one of the city’s busiest judicial areas. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke rising above the court compound as people ran for safety. Broken glass, burnt vehicles, and scattered case files now mark the site of devastation.
“It was like the ground itself exploded,” said a lawyer who was leaving the court moments before the blast. “People were screaming and running — we didn’t know what had happened.”
💣 What Happened at Islamabad F-8 Courts
Early police reports suggest the explosion was caused by a car bomb parked near the court’s entrance gate. Investigators are collecting forensic evidence, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of an accidental gas cylinder blast inside a vehicle.
Rescue 1122 and bomb disposal teams rushed to the scene immediately, working alongside Islamabad Police to evacuate the injured and secure the perimeter. The wounded have been shifted to PIMS Hospital and Polyclinic, where several remain in critical condition.
The incident has reignited fears of terrorism in Islamabad, a city that has witnessed relative calm in recent years after a long period of militant violence.
🏛️ Government and Security Response
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the blast, calling it “a cowardly act meant to terrorize innocent citizens.” He directed the Inspector General of Police to submit a detailed investigation report within 24 hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and promised that those responsible “will be brought to justice.” He also praised rescue workers for their quick response and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
Security forces have now placed Islamabad on high alert. Additional checkpoints have been established in sensitive zones including the Red Zone, Blue Area, and main government offices. Intelligence agencies are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering digital evidence to trace any suspicious activity before the explosion.
⚠️ Public Advisory
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel near F-8 Markaz and the surrounding roads until clearance operations are complete. Citizens are also advised to refrain from sharing unverified photos or videos on social media to prevent misinformation.
Those living or working in central Islamabad have been asked to remain vigilant and report any abandoned vehicles or suspicious activity to the police helpline (15).
📍 The Broader Picture
This explosion comes at a time when Pakistan is facing a resurgence of militant threats from splinter groups operating in different regions. Security analysts warn that such attacks are designed to shake public confidence and target institutions representing the state’s authority.
For Islamabad residents, today’s blast is a painful reminder of the city’s vulnerability despite heightened surveillance and counterterrorism operations. The memories of past attacks — including the 2008 Marriott bombing and the 2014 court assault — still linger in collective memory.
🕊️ A City in Mourning
As evening falls over Islamabad, emergency lights still flash in the F-8 sector. The air smells of burnt rubber and dust. Lawyers, journalists, and citizens stand behind yellow police tape, looking at the wreckage of what was once a routine day of hearings and paperwork.
Today, Islamabad mourns again — not just for the victims, but for the fragile peace that has once more been broken.
