A devastating suicide bombing outside a court complex in Islamabad, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people and left 27 others injured. The explosion occurred around 12:39 PM local time at the District Judicial Complex, a busy area frequented by litigants and lawyers.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the attacker attempted to enter the court but detonated the explosives near a police vehicle after waiting outside for 10 to 15 minutes. He stated, "We are investigating this incident from different angles. It is not just another bombing. It happened right in Islamabad."

Reports indicate that some of the injured are in critical condition. Videos from the scene show a car engulfed in flames and thick smoke rising from the area. State-run media confirmed the attack was a suicide bombing, with the bomber's head reportedly found at the site.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. This incident follows a recent assault by armed militants on a cadet college in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the attack as a "wake-up call" and emphasized that Pakistan is in a "state of war." He expressed concerns about the feasibility of peace negotiations with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, stating, "In this environment, it would be futile to hold out greater hope for successful negotiations with the rulers of Kabul."