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ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (APP):At least twelve people were killed and twenty-seven others injured in a powerful suicide blast outside the Islamabad District Courts on Tuesday, prompting heightened security measures across the federal capital.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who visited the blast site shortly after the incident, confirmed the casualties and said emergency operations were underway to assist the injured. “Our teams are on the ground providing the best facilities possible. The Prime Minister himself has spoken with hospital authorities to ensure the injured receive full medical attention,” he said while speaking to the media at the site.
According to preliminary investigations, the suicide bomber arrived at the location around 10 to 15 minutes before the explosion. CCTV footage reportedly shows him standing across from the court premises, observing security arrangements and attempting to find a way inside.
“The attacker initially planned to enter the court complex but couldn’t due to strict security checks. When a police vehicle arrived, he targeted it instead,” the minister said.
Naqvi added that efforts were underway to identify the attacker, vowing results within hours. “We will trace him, where he came from, and who sent him. No one involved will be spared,” he said, flanked by the Inspector General of Police, Chief Commissioner, and senior security officials.
The minister also drew a connection between the Islamabad blast and another suicide attack in Wana a day earlier, where three security personnel were martyred. “Yesterday, in Wana, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber detonated at an entry point. There were 550 students and 40 teachers inside a nearby facility, but our forces saved them. Their plan to create a hostage situation failed,” he said.
Naqvi claimed that initial findings suggest Afghan involvement in both attacks. “Those identified were Afghan nationals, and their communication records show links with handlers in Afghanistan. We have provided the Afghan government with evidence many times, showing how terrorists are being trained and sent across the border,” he stated.
He warned that if Kabul fails to act, Pakistan would be left with “no option” but to take necessary measures to eliminate such threats.
The minister appealed to Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan to “not malign themselves” and to stand with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. “For us, Pakistan comes first. These elements are trying to exploit ethnic or regional ties, but we must unite as one nation,” he urged.
Naqvi further announced stricter security measures for Islamabad, including mandatory E-tag registration for all vehicles entering the city within the next two weeks. “No vehicle without an E-tag will be allowed entry after the deadline, not even those owned by local residents,” he said.
He also directed law enforcement agencies to accelerate operations against illegal residents, saying, “No one will be spared. Every undocumented individual must be identified and expelled.”
Responding to a question about prior intelligence alerts, Naqvi said security agencies had received “general threat reports,” but no specific warnings related to the day’s attack. “Islamabad has been hosting multiple political, international, and sports events, and our security teams including police, Rangers, and Army are ensuring maximum vigilance,” he added.
Regarding upcoming international gatherings, including the Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, the minister assured that security arrangements have been reinforced. “The Army, Rangers, and Police are fully coordinated. Whoever carried out today’s attack will face the consequences,” he declared.
Authorities said an investigation was underway, with forensic teams collecting evidence from the blast site. One police driver survived despite his vehicle being hit, while one of the victims identified so far is believed to be a lawyer.
The interior minister concluded by reiterating that Pakistan would not tolerate terrorism on its soil. “This was not an ordinary blast. We will bring every perpetrator and their facilitators to justice. Whoever did this, whether local or foreign, will pay the price,” he said.