Last Updated: November 19, 2025
A powerful explosion in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has once again put the country on edge and raised serious questions about security in the federal city. The blast, described by officials as a suicide bombing, took place outside the District Judicial Complex in the G-11 sector, close to the Srinagar Highway. It is being counted as the deadliest attack in Islamabad in nearly a decade.
As of the latest reports available, authorities confirm that at least 12–13 people have been killed, including the suspected attacker, and around 30–36 others injured. Investigations are ongoing and the death toll could change as critically injured victims receive treatment in hospitals.
This article sums up what we know so far about the massive explosion in Islamabad: the timeline, location, casualties, who has claimed responsibility, the government’s response and what it could mean for security and daily life in the capital.
The blast occurred on 11 November 2025, around midday, just outside the District and Sessions Court / District Judicial Complex in G-11/4, Islamabad.
Key details so far:
The court complex is a busy area that typically sees hundreds of visitors daily, including lawyers, litigants, witnesses, and ordinary citizens attending hearings. The blast took place during working hours, making the location and timing highly sensitive.
Based on official statements and early media reports, the attack unfolded roughly as follows:
CCTV footage and on-ground images show damaged vehicles, smashed glass, and emergency responders rushing victims to hospitals. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the site, including body parts believed to belong to the bomber, confirming it was a suicide attack.
Exact figures are still being updated as hospitals receive casualties, but as of the latest information from officials and major news outlets:
Many of the wounded were taken to nearby hospitals such as the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where doctors reported multiple serious injuries including burns, shrapnel wounds and head trauma.
Officials have warned that the death toll may rise depending on the condition of critically injured patients.
According to early reports, responsibility for the attack has been claimed by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Key points from initial claims and statements:
The blast also came shortly after a deadly car explosion in New Delhi, India, fueling cross-border tensions and political accusations between the two countries.
Following the explosion, Pakistani authorities have reacted strongly at both the federal and local levels.
According to early reports:
Top Pakistani leaders, including the Prime Minister and President, have condemned the blast, calling it an attack on the country’s security and justice system. The Interior and Defence ministries have issued strong statements, describing Pakistan as being in a “state of war” against terrorism and vowing to respond.
Officials have also suggested that foreign-backed elements and networks using Afghan territory may be involved, indicating that the investigations will have both domestic and regional dimensions.
The 2025 Islamabad blast is considered especially significant for several reasons:
International media and local outlets have described this as the deadliest attack in Islamabad in nearly a decade, highlighting the seriousness of the incident in a city that has comparatively stronger security compared to conflict-affected regions.
By attacking a court complex, the perpetrators directly targeted a symbol of the state’s legal system. Such attacks aim to create fear among judges, lawyers, and ordinary citizens seeking justice, and to give the impression that even sensitive state institutions are vulnerable.
The blast happened while Islamabad was hosting international meetings like the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference and the Margalla Dialogue, and while Pakistan’s cricket team was playing Sri Lanka in nearby Rawalpindi.
This timing has raised concerns that the attackers wanted to:
Beyond the immediate loss of life and injuries, the explosion has had a wider emotional and practical impact on residents of the capital.
Many people living and working in Islamabad, especially those near the G-11 area, report feeling:
While these measures can be inconvenient, they are meant to reduce the risk of further attacks and to reassure the public that security forces are on alert.
During fast-moving situations like this, information can change quickly. If you are in or near Islamabad, you can take some practical steps:
Analysts say the attack is a “litmus test” for Pakistan’s security situation: if militants can strike in Islamabad despite heavy security, it suggests that militant networks still have the capability to hit high-value targets.
Possible long-term implications include:
Much will depend on how quickly and transparently the investigation moves, who is officially blamed, and what concrete steps are taken to prevent a repeat.
As more information becomes publicly available, some details may be updated, but at this stage the Islamabad explosion highlights the continuing challenge Pakistan faces in ensuring security even in its most heavily guarded city.
The explosion took place outside the District Judicial Complex (district and sessions court) in the G-11/4 sector of Islamabad, near the Srinagar Highway.
As of the latest updates, at least 12–13 people have been killed, including the suspected attacker, and around 30–36 have been injured. Numbers may be adjusted as authorities release final figures.
Yes. Officials and forensic teams say the attacker was wearing an explosive vest and detonated it near a police vehicle after failing to enter the court complex, confirming that it was a suicide attack.
The attack has been claimed by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), though the broader TTP has issued its own statements regarding the incident.
Militant groups often view courts as symbols of the state and its legal system. In this case, initial statements from the claiming group suggested that judges, lawyers and officials enforcing Pakistan’s existing laws were among their intended targets.
Security has been tightened across Islamabad, with more checkpoints and patrols, especially near sensitive locations. Residents are generally able to move around the city, but are advised to avoid the G-11 court area and follow official advisories, route diversions and instructions from law enforcement agencies.
The federal government and Islamabad administration have condemned the attack, ordered a detailed investigation, and increased security around courts, government buildings and key installations. Several suspects have reportedly been detained in follow-up operations, and authorities are investigating possible regional and foreign links.
Security officials always consider the risk of follow-up attacks after a major incident, which is why security has been tightened and intelligence operations intensified. However, there is no publicly confirmed information about specific future threats; residents are encouraged to stay alert and rely on verified official updates.
For accurate information, follow:
Avoid spreading or believing unverified social media posts, especially those with sensational claims and no credible sources.