A deadly suicide attack outside the Islamabad Judicial Complex on Tuesday left 12 people killed and 36 injured, including lawyers and civilians. The explosion, carried out near the District Court gate, sent shockwaves through the capital’s legal and administrative circles.
According to police, the suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance of the complex, causing widespread destruction to vehicles and nearby property. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, confirming that serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and creating public panic, have been added.
Among the victims was Advocate Zubair Aslam Ghumman, a young lawyer who had recently received his Supreme Court Bar license.
According to colleagues, Zubair Ghumman had visited the bar office earlier that day, carrying sweets to celebrate his achievement. “He fed sweets to everyone, ate some himself, and left smiling. Moments later, he was martyred in the blast,” a fellow lawyer recalled emotionally.
Ghumman leaves behind two children — a nine-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son.
Victims and treatment updates
Authorities confirmed that 13 of the injured are still receiving treatment at PIMS Hospital, where one patient remains in critical condition in the surgical ward. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families after postmortem and legal formalities.
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The text of the FIR states that the attack caused “loss of life and property to civilians” and that the suicide bomber targeted the gate area where lawyers and litigants were gathered. Police and forensic teams have been deployed to investigate the site.
Islamabad Bar announces mourning
The Islamabad Bar Council and District Bar Association have announced three days of mourning and a one-day strike in protest against the attack.
The District Judicial Complex remains completely closed today, with all hearings postponed. Lawyers, clients, and court staff have been instructed not to come to court. Bar officials, including President Naeem Gujar, urged all members to “stay home and stand united in grief.”
Due to the suspension of court activities, over 1,000 scheduled cases have been adjourned without action. Updated cause lists with new dates have been displayed outside the courthouse, instructing people to appear on their next assigned hearing date.
