Post by : Rameen Ariff

Islamabad, Pakistan – A devastating explosion occurred outside a local court in Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 12 individuals and injuring several others, plunging the surrounding area into turmoil. While officials have yet to clarify the cause of the blast, local reports indicate that a gas cylinder might have exploded within a parked vehicle.

The explosion took place in a usually busy section outside the courthouse, causing damage to multiple cars and affecting those who had come for legal proceedings. Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scenes as chaos ensued. Rustam Malik, a lawyer who witnessed the event, said: “It was utter chaos, as lawyers and citizens scrambled for safety. I saw two bodies lying by the entrance and numerous vehicles engulfed in flames.”

First responders quickly arrived at the scene, transporting the injured to local medical facilities while securing the area for further investigation. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed many details as inquiries continue.

Security Worries Amid Increasing Violence
This incident in Islamabad follows a thwarted hostage attempt by Pakistani security forces at an army-run institution in Wana, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, just a day earlier. The attack involved a suicide bomber and five assailants, but two were killed, and the remaining three were contained without causing harm to any students or faculty. The incident resulted in injuries to around 16 civilians and military personnel and significant damage to surrounding homes.

Wana is known as a stronghold for the Pakistani Taliban and other radical factions, making robust security efforts crucial. Authorities are currently assessing whether the Islamabad explosion relates to militant activities or an accidental occurrence.

Regional Context of Cross-Border Threats
The blast in Islamabad comes amid heightened concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, occurring the day after a car bomb detonated near Delhi’s Red Fort, resulting in 13 fatalities. Investigations into the Delhi explosion identified Umar Un Nabi as the suspect, a doctor from Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the ongoing risk of vehicle-related attacks in the region.

Security agencies in both Pakistan and India are on heightened alert, evaluating security measures in public places and courthouses, as investigations into the Islamabad blast continue to ensure the safety of citizens in densely populated urban regions.

#Global