Islamabad court blast in Pakistan leaves several dead after Red Fort explosion

At least five people were killed and 20-25 were injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a car near the Islamabad judicial complex on Tuesday, according to Pakistani media reports. The explosion is suspected to have been caused by a gas cylinder fitted inside a parked vehicle, according to a preliminary probe.

The blast, which occurred around 12.30 pm during peak business hours, triggered panic among lawyers present at the court premises. The explosion was so intense that it was heard six kilometres away.

Several vehicles parked nearby were damaged in the blast. Most of the injured are lawyers and staff working at the court. Police suspect it to be a suicide attack.

The blast happened hours after Pakistani security forces foiled an attack by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) at Cadet College Wana in south Waziristan, Pakistani media reported.

The incident comes a day after a car, a Hyundai i20, exploded near the Red Fort in Delhi, killing 10 people.

The blast came on a day a terror module involving Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind was busted, and police seized 2,900 kilograms of IED-making material.

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