A powerful suicide bombing in Islamabad on Wednesday left at least 12 people dead and several others injured, according to Pakistan’s Interior Minister, who confirmed the attack during a late-night press briefing. The explosion, which occurred near a busy market area in the federal capital, has sent shockwaves through the nation and raised serious concerns about the resurgence of militant violence in Pakistan’s heartland.

Preliminary reports indicate that the suicide bomber detonated explosives as security personnel approached for a routine check. The blast was so intense that it damaged nearby vehicles and buildings, leaving the area strewn with debris and shattered glass. Emergency responders and rescue teams rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where several victims remain in critical condition.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, calling it “an act of cowardice aimed at destabilizing peace and spreading fear.” He confirmed that initial investigations suggest involvement of a regional militant network with prior links to attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. “We will hunt down those responsible and bring them to justice,” Naqvi vowed, adding that intelligence agencies have been placed on high alert across the country.

Authorities have sealed off the blast site and launched a comprehensive counter-terrorism operation in and around Islamabad to identify possible accomplices. Forensic experts are analyzing explosive remnants and reviewing CCTV footage to trace the attacker’s movements prior to the explosion. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by chaos as people fled the area in panic. “It was like the ground shook under us,” said one shopkeeper, describing the moments after the blast.

The attack marks the deadliest bombing in Islamabad in recent months, reviving painful memories of previous terror incidents that had declined in frequency in recent years. Security analysts suggest that this attack may signal a renewed offensive by militant outfits targeting high-security zones to undermine the government’s stability and law-enforcement morale.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister and President both issued statements condemning the violence and expressing condolences to the victims’ families. Flags will reportedly be flown at half-mast as the country observes a day of mourning. International reactions poured in as well, with neighboring countries and global organizations offering support to Pakistan in combating terrorism.

Over the past decade, Islamabad had become relatively secure after a series of military operations curbed extremist activities across the northwestern tribal belt. However, recent months have seen a spike in militant attacks, particularly targeting police and military convoys. Analysts warn that the government must strengthen intelligence coordination and regional cooperation to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

As investigations continue, the Islamabad bombing serves as a grim reminder of Pakistan’s ongoing struggle against extremism. The loss of 12 innocent lives underscores the urgent need for sustained vigilance, robust counter-terror policies, and community resilience in the face of violence that continues to challenge national stability.