Car blast in IslamabadImage Credit source:

Pakistan’s capital Islamabad was shaken on Tuesday afternoon when a massive explosion occurred outside the district court. According to local media reports, at least 12 people died in this explosion, while more than 20 people were injured. The explosion was so powerful that its sound was heard up to six kilometers away.

The blast occurred around 12:30 pm, when the movement of people in the court premises is maximum. According to the people present at the spot, many vehicles were burnt to ashes and the glasses of nearby shops were shattered. This incident in Pakistan happened right after the car blast in India’s capital Delhi. In which at least 9 people died and many were injured. The driver of the car has been identified as Umar Un Nabi, a resident of Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Police have registered a case under UAPA and Explosives Act.

Gas cylinder or suicide attack?

Initial investigation is revealing that the explosion probably occurred from a gas cylinder installed in a car. However, the police have not ruled out the possibility of a suicide attack. The explosive vehicle was parked near the main gate of the court. Most of the injured are said to be lawyers and court employees. Police and bomb disposal squad have reached the spot and started investigation. Officials are also finding out whether any suspicious person was present in the car.

The attack on military college a day earlier failed

Just a day before the blast, Pakistani security forces had foiled a major terrorist plot in Wana city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to reports, six terrorists of Pakistani Taliban (TTP) had tried to attack a cadet college run under an army. In retaliation by security forces, two terrorists were killed, while three were surrounded in the college campus.