A powerful suicide bombing in Islamabad on Monday killed at least 12 people, including several security personnel, and left dozens injured in what officials describe as one of the deadliest attacks in the capital in recent years. The explosion occurred near a police checkpoint in the city’s I-10 sector, an area known for government offices and heavy commuter traffic.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister confirmed the toll late Monday evening, calling it “a brutal and calculated act of terror aimed at destabilising the nation’s sense of security.” He said initial evidence suggested the attacker detonated the explosives after being stopped for inspection by officers at the checkpoint. “The suicide bomber blew himself up before our personnel could react. Their bravery saved countless lives,” he said.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion that shattered windows in nearby buildings and sent plumes of smoke rising over the area. Police immediately sealed off surrounding roads, and bomb disposal teams and paramedics rushed to the scene. Video clips posted online showed damaged vehicles and debris scattered across the street.
According to preliminary reports, the attacker was travelling in a small vehicle laden with explosives. Officials believe the bomber may have been attempting to reach a high-security zone before being intercepted. Law enforcement agencies have since launched a massive security sweep across the capital, checking hotels, bus terminals, and residential neighbourhoods for possible accomplices.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities suspect involvement of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has increased its operations following the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire with the government last year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and vowed to bring those responsible to justice, calling it “an act of cowardice that will not weaken Pakistan’s resolve to fight terrorism.”
The bombing comes amid renewed security warnings issued for major cities, highlighting the rising threat from militant groups that appear to be regaining ground in parts of the country’s northwest. Officials say an emergency security review has been called to assess the situation and prevent further incidents.