At least 12 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion occurred outside a district court in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday afternoon. Local media reported that the blast originated from a parked vehicle, though the cause remains unconfirmed.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion created panic in the busy court area. “It was complete chaos—lawyers and people were running inside the complex. I saw two dead bodies lying near the gate and several cars on fire,” said lawyer Rustam Malik, speaking to AFP.
Several vehicles were damaged in the blast, and rescue teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Police have not yet confirmed the cause but said a detailed investigation is underway. Early reports suggested the possibility of a gas cylinder explosion, though authorities are yet to verify this.
The Islamabad blast occurred just a day after security forces in Wana, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, foiled a militant attack on an army-run college. Pakistani Taliban militants reportedly attempted to take cadets hostage, but troops quickly neutralized the threat. Two attackers were killed, and three others were cornered inside the compound. Authorities confirmed that no cadets or staff members were harmed, though several civilians were injured in the suicide bombing outside.
Blast Reported Near Delhi’s Red Fort
In a separate and shocking development, an explosion near Red Fort in New Delhi on Monday killed at least 13 people and injured several others. The blast occurred when a Hyundai i20 car exploded near a traffic signal, triggering chaos in the busy area.
Delhi Police have registered a case under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and the Explosives Act. Investigators identified the alleged driver as Umar Un Nabi, a doctor from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Two former owners of the vehicle have also been detained for questioning.
The twin incidents — in Islamabad and Delhi — have raised concerns over urban security and cross-border extremist activity. Authorities in both capitals have heightened security and are reviewing surveillance footage from the blast sites.
