Exclusive: A Capital Under Fire – Islamabad’s Peace Shattered by a Suicide Bomb
ISLAMABAD: In a devastating blow to the nation’s security, the heart of Pakistan’s capital was stained with blood on Tuesday. A suicide bomber detonated his explosives outside the district courthouse in Islamabad, killing at least 12 innocent people and injuring 27 others.
The attack, which sent plumes of black smoke into the sky and plunged the city into chaos, marks a grim return of large-scale terrorism to a city that had known relative peace in recent years.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, addressed the nation, confirming the grim details. He revealed that the attacker’s true target was the courthouse itself, but security measures prevented him from entering the building. The bomber, lying in wait for up to 15 minutes, ultimately detonated his device near a police vehicle, causing massive destruction.
“Authorities would prioritise identifying the bomber,” Minister Naqvi stated firmly, vowing that “those involved would be brought to justice.”
Scene of Chaos and Courage
Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter horror. Rustam Khan, a lawyer who was parking his car at the time, recounted the moment of the blast to reporters. “I heard a loud bang,” he said, his voice likely still shaking from the memory. “It was complete chaos. Lawyers and people were running inside the complex. I saw two dead bodies lying on the gate and several cars were on fire.”
Television footage from the scene confirmed his account, showing a completely burnt-out car, shattered windows, and a heavy security cordon as emergency services rushed to help the wounded. The incident occurred at 12:39 local time, a moment when the area was bustling with lawyers, plaintiffs, and police personnel.
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A Sobering Message to the Nation
This attack is a chilling reminder that the threat of terrorism remains a stark reality for Pakistan. While suicide blasts have become rare in Islamabad over the past three years, this incident proves that the enemies of peace are still active and looking for any opportunity to strike.
The last major suicide bombing in the capital was three years ago, when a police officer was killed. Today’s attack, with its higher death toll and central location, sends a more sinister message. It is a direct challenge to the state’s authority and its ability to protect its citizens.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the blast, expressing the nation’s collective grief and anger. But condemnation is not enough. The people of Pakistan are now waiting for action.
The brave police and security forces, who are often the first target of such attacks, have once again paid a heavy price. The bomber’s choice of location—a court of law—is a symbolic attack on justice and order itself.
The Road Ahead
As the injured fight for their lives in hospitals and families mourn their dead, critical questions demand answers. How did the attacker plan this operation? Who provided him with support? The investigation led by Minister Naqvi must be swift and transparent.
The peace enjoyed by Islamabad in recent years was hard-won, a result of countless sacrifices by our armed forces and law enforcement agencies. This attack is a painful setback, but it must not break our resolve.
The nation stands united in grief today. But tomorrow, we must stand even more united in our determination to root out the evil of terrorism from our soil. The blood of the innocent, shed on the streets of Islamabad, cries out for justice. It is a debt the state must repay with unwavering action.
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