A suicide attack outside a court in Pakistan's capital Islamabad has killed 12 people and injured at least 27 others, according to the country's interior minister.
Mohsin Naqvi reported that the bomber was planning to strike the district courthouse but failed to penetrate its security.
Naqvi emphasized that authorities would prioritize tracking down the bomber and ensuring that all involved were held accountable.
During this crisis, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused extremist groups allegedly supported by India of complicity in the attack.
In response, an Indian government representative refuted these claims, labeling them as baseless and unfounded.
Sharif condemned attacks on the civilians of Pakistan and pointed fingers at India's terrorist proxies as being responsible for the assault.
The splinter group, Jumaat Ul Ahrar, tied to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), has taken responsibility for the attack through local media channels. However, two journalists reported that the TTP's central command refuted any links to the bombing.
Suicide attacks in Islamabad have become rare, with security footage showing aftermath scenes of destruction, including a burnt vehicle amidst a police cordon.
The assaulted area experienced chaos and confusion as eyewitnesses described the sound of a loud bang and ensuing panic. Rustam Malik, a lawyer present at the scene, recounted the chaotic atmosphere as people fled the vicinity.
Medical treatment is being provided to the injured, while the authorities work to address the aftermath of this harrowing incident.
