UN says terrorists behind Islamabad attack must not go unpunished

A suicide bomb explosion took place around mid-day outside the district court complex in Sector G-11, Islamabad on Tuesday, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens. The attack was highly condemned by the United Nations (UN), urging that those responsible must be brought to justice.

According to officials, the suicide attacker arrived on a motorcycle and detonated the bomb near a police vehicle parked outside the court gate. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the bomber had waited for around 10-15 minutes near the entrance after failing to gain access, then exploded the device. 

The explosion threw the attacker’s body parts into the court premises and caused multiple nearby cars to catch fire. 

Hospitals responded promptly to emergencies and treated dozens of wounded, with some in critical condition. 

In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep sorrow, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a full investigation, emphasising that the criminals must be held accountable. 

The attack occurred in a high-security zone of the capital, raising concerns about the intensified activities of terrorists. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the incident as a “wake-up call” and said the country was in a “state of war.” 

While no group has claimed ultimate responsibility, an infamous Taliban group, TTP has been linked to the attack by local media, and Pakistani authorities are investigating possible foreign support or involvement. 

In the immediate aftermath, authorities cordoned off the area, gathered evidence including CCTV footage, and launched an investigation into how the attacker penetrated security.