Islamabad, November 11, 2025: Lawyers, journalists, and political leaders on Tuesday strongly condemned a suicide bombing outside the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad’s G-11 area that killed at least 12 people and injured 36 others.
The attack occurred as the capital hosted multiple international events, including the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference and the 6th Margalla Dialogue, while a cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was underway in nearby Rawalpindi.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) described the incident as a “barbaric act” and called for those responsible to be brought to justice immediately. SCBA President Haroonur Rashid emphasized that the blast raised “serious concerns regarding the safety of the legal community as well as of the common citizens” and urged authorities to ensure enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents.
Political leaders also expressed outrage. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the attack, saying, “Terrorists who target innocent civilians deserve no leniency.” Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan called it a “cowardly act” that “cannot weaken our resolve and morale,” offering condolences to the families of the victims.
Human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir said there were “not enough words to condemn this heinous attack.” Former rights minister Shireen Mazari described it as a direct assault on those seeking justice, while artist and activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Junior called for national unity in the face of divisiveness.
Journalists highlighted the broader security implications, with Asma Shirazi noting that “it’s no longer a war on borders,” and Zarrar Khuhro warning that the capital had now become a target, with terrorists increasingly using “sophisticated and well-funded” methods. Senior journalist Zahid Gishkori added, “Terror is back in Pakistan with full force,” citing more than 10,450 terror incidents and over 3,954 civilian deaths since the Afghan Taliban captured Kabul.
Former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said the attack revealed the “vile mindset” of terrorists targeting unarmed civilians, while former MNA Bushra Gohar called it another intelligence and security failure, demanding accountability for the lapse.
The United States Embassy in Islamabad expressed solidarity with Pakistan, offering condolences to the families of the victims and pledging continued support for the government’s efforts to ensure peace and stability.
