Explosion near Islamabad court kills at least 12

At least 12 people have been killed and several others injured in an explosion outside a court complex in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, according to police reports.

“We are still investigating the nature of the explosion. Details will be clearer once the forensic team submits its findings,” a police spokesperson said on Tuesday.

The blast took place near the entrance of the Islamabad district court, an area usually busy with lawyers and litigants.

Local media broadcast disturbing images from the scene, showing bloodied victims lying near a police vehicle.

“I had just parked my car and entered the complex when a loud explosion went off at the gate,” said lawyer Rustam Malik, who described scenes of panic and destruction.

“There was total chaos — people and lawyers were running for safety. I saw two bodies near the gate, and several cars were engulfed in flames,” Malik told AFP.

More to come…