A powerful explosion outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday afternoon sent shockwaves across Pakistan’s capital, injuring multiple people and prompting an immediate lockdown of the surrounding area.

Initial reports from local media indicate that the nature of the blast remains uncertain, though authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a terror-related act.

The incident, which occurred shortly after 2:30 PM local time, disrupted routine legal proceedings and triggered panic in the heart of the city’s judicial district-a high-security zone frequented daily by judges, lawyers, journalists, and the general public.

Scene of Chaos Outside the Court Complex

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion moments after the explosion. According to eyewitness accounts, the blast occurred near the main gate of the Islamabad High Court, where several vehicles were parked and dozens of people were gathered, either entering or leaving the premises.

“I heard a loud bang and saw smoke rising near the parking area. People started running in all directions,” said Shahid Khan, a lawyer present at the scene. “Within minutes, security officials and ambulances rushed in, and the entire area was sealed off.”

Local television footage showed damaged vehicles, shattered glass, and debris scattered across the entrance road leading to the court. Rescue teams and Edhi Foundation volunteers were seen transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.

Security Forces Seal Off Area

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police swiftly cordoned off the entire vicinity, including the connecting Constitution Avenue and adjoining areas housing key government institutions. Bomb disposal units and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) teams were deployed to examine the nature and source of the explosion.

Police officials confirmed that the explosive device appears to have been planted near or under a vehicle, though a final determination will depend on forensic testing. “We are treating this as a serious incident,” said SP (Security) Muhammad Usman, adding that “the entire area has been cleared, and investigations are in progress.”

Authorities also temporarily suspended access to nearby offices, including the Islamabad Bar Council and the Supreme Court registry, as a precautionary measure.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Preliminary reports indicate that at least seven people sustained injuries, including two policemen posted outside the court gate. The injured have been shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital, where emergency wards were placed on high alert.

Medical officials said that some victims suffered burn injuries and shrapnel wounds, while others were injured in the stampede following the explosion. Doctors have termed two of the injured as being in “critical condition.”

Islamabad’s Rescue 1122 and fire brigade units worked alongside police to secure the scene and prevent secondary incidents. Within an hour, all entry and exit points to the court premises were sealed, and traffic was diverted to alternate routes.

Government and Official Reaction

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the rule of law and the country’s judicial system. “Such acts of violence will not deter our resolve to uphold justice and maintain peace in the capital,” he stated in a brief media address.

The Prime Minister’s Office also issued a statement expressing concern over the attack and directed law enforcement agencies to submit a detailed report within 24 hours. “Those responsible will be brought to justice swiftly,” the statement read.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq of the Islamabad High Court has reportedly ordered the immediate suspension of court proceedings for the day and instructed security officials to review and reinforce existing measures within the court complex.

Possible Motives Under Scrutiny

While the motive behind the blast remains unclear, investigators are exploring multiple angles, including possible links to militant groups active in the region or targeted intimidation of the judiciary.

Pakistan has witnessed a resurgence of violent attacks in recent months, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant organizations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have stepped up operations against security forces and government institutions.

A senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it was too early to assign blame but acknowledged that the timing and location suggested “an attempt to send a message.” “Any attack near the judiciary is symbolic-it aims to undermine confidence in the state’s institutions,” the official noted.

Heightened Security Across Islamabad

Following the blast, security alerts were issued across Islamabad, with checkpoints strengthened at entry and exit routes, including the Red Zone, which houses the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, and several foreign embassies.

Law enforcement agencies have been placed on “red alert” status, and all public institutions have been instructed to review security protocols. The Islamabad Police have also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) have joined the probe, collecting CCTV footage from cameras installed around the High Court, as well as nearby traffic signals and shops. Forensic teams are analyzing explosive residues to determine the type and origin of the device used.

Public and Legal Community Reaction

Members of the legal fraternity have condemned the incident, calling it an attack on justice and civil society. The Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) has announced a day of mourning and demanded a comprehensive investigation.

“This is not just an assault on lawyers or judges-it’s an assault on Pakistan’s stability,” said IBA President Tahir Mughal. “We demand that the culprits be caught immediately, and foolproof security be ensured for all courts.”

On social media, #IslamabadBlast trended nationwide within hours, with users sharing footage from the scene and expressing solidarity with victims. Many also criticized what they described as security lapses in one of the city’s most sensitive areas.

Ongoing Investigation and the Road Ahead

As dusk fell over Islamabad, law enforcement agencies continued to search for clues. Forensic experts are expected to submit their initial report by Wednesday morning, which will determine whether the explosion was caused by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) or another type of explosive.

The Interior Ministry has also convened a high-level meeting to assess the capital’s security framework and prevent similar incidents in the future.

For now, Pakistan’s capital remains tense yet resilient its courts and institutions determined to carry on despite the shock of another violent reminder of the challenges the country continues to face.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The attack outside a court of law is a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and fostering peaceful coexistence.

The Logical Indian strongly condemns all acts of violence and stands in solidarity with those affected.