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Blast outside court in Islamabad: Toll rises to 12, says Interior Minister of Pakistan
At least 12 people were killed and 27 injured in a suicide bombing outside a court in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Tuesday, the country’s Interior Minister confirmed to AFP.
“At 12:39 pm (07:39 GMT), a suicide attacker blew himself up in the Kachehri area,” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters at the scene, adding that security forces had cordoned off the area.
Residents reported hearing a powerful blast that shook the neighbourhood.
“As I was parking my car to enter the complex, I heard a huge explosion near the gate,” AFP quoted lawyer Roustam Malik as saying.
“There was panic everywhere — lawyers and visitors were running for cover. I saw two bodies near the entrance and several vehicles in flames.”
The Kachehri complex is located in a busy residential area and also houses several government offices.