Pakistan Declares 'State of War' Following Deadly Courthouse Bombing
Pakistan has been plunged into what officials are calling a 'state of war' following a devastating suicide bombing that claimed 12 lives in the capital city of Islamabad. The attack occurred during lunchtime hours when the targeted courthouse complex was filled with hundreds of legal professionals, defendants, and judicial authorities.
Attack Details and Failed Entry Attempt
According to Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the assailant detonated an explosive device near the main entrance of the courthouse building. The minister confirmed that the bomber had attempted to force entry into the heavily populated court complex but was unsuccessful in this objective.
The explosion occurred on 12 November 2025 around lunchtime, when the court premises typically experience peak foot traffic. The timing suggests the attacker aimed to maximize casualties by striking when lawyers, judges, and court visitors would be most vulnerable.
Immediate Aftermath and Security Response
The bombing resulted in 12 confirmed fatalities with numerous others injured in the blast. Emergency services rushed to the scene immediately following the explosion, transporting victims to nearby medical facilities while security forces established a perimeter around the affected area.
Minister Naqvi's declaration of a 'state of war' indicates the Pakistani government's serious approach to this security breach. This terminology typically signals heightened security measures and potential military responses to terrorist threats across the country.
The attack on judicial infrastructure represents a significant escalation in security challenges facing Pakistan. Courthouses have frequently been targeted by militant groups seeking to undermine the country's legal system and create widespread fear among civilian populations.
Security analysts note that the failed entry attempt likely prevented a much higher casualty count, given the hundreds of people present within the court complex at the time of detonation. The incident has prompted immediate reviews of security protocols at government buildings and judicial facilities throughout Pakistan.
