Suicide Bomber Strikes Islamabad Court, Leaving 12 Dead and 27 Injured

Pakistani security officials stand guard after a powerful car bomb exploded outside a district court in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and 27 others were wounded in the blast, which was caused by a suicide bomber detonating his explosives next to a police car. The attack occurred outside the gates of the district court in Islamabad, a busy area typically crowded with hundreds of visitors attending court hearings at the time of the explosion. According to Pakistan's interior minister, the blast was a result of a coordinated attack by a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group. However, shortly after the claim of responsibility, Sarbakaf Mohmand, a commander from the group, sent WhatsApp messages insisting they had not made any such claim. The conflicting statements have raised questions about the authenticity of the claim and the motivations behind the attack. Eyewitnesses described scenes of mayhem in the immediate aftermath of the explosion, with many people running for cover and others trying to assist those injured in the blast. "It was a chaotic scene," said one witness, who wished to remain anonymous. "People were screaming and running in all directions. It was a very frightening experience." The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents across Pakistan, which has been experiencing an uptick in violence in recent months. The country has been plagued by a long-standing insurgency led by the Pakistani Taliban, which has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians and security personnel. Experts say that the attack highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Pakistan and the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the insurgency. "This attack is a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in Pakistan," said Dr. Ayesha Siddiqui, a security analyst. "The government needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing the grievances of the local population and addressing the root causes of the insurgency." The current status of the investigation into the attack is unclear, but officials have promised to take swift action against those responsible. The attack has also raised concerns about the safety and security of the public, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. As the investigation continues, the people of Islamabad are left to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating attack. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing Pakistan and the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the insurgency.