A powerful suicide bombing struck near a courthouse in Pakistan’s capital early Tuesday morning, killing at least 12 people and wounding 21 others, according to local authorities.

The explosion ripped through the busy judicial district shortly after dawn, sending panic across the area as security forces and emergency teams rushed to the scene. Police swiftly cordoned off the site, while rescue workers transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Officials said several victims remain in critical condition.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that the blast was carried out by a suicide attacker who appeared to be targeting both civilians and government facilities in the vicinity. The force of the explosion shattered nearby windows and damaged several vehicles parked outside the courthouse.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes in the aftermath of the attack. “There was smoke everywhere, people screaming for help,” said one local resident who was near the site when the explosion occurred.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine how the attacker breached security in such a heavily guarded zone. Security forces have since increased patrols and checkpoints throughout Islamabad to prevent further incidents. (ILKHA)