A deadly suicide bombing outside court buildings in Islamabad has pushed Pakistan into a heightened state of security, with officials warning that the country is now operating in what they describe as a state of war. At least 12 people were killed and 27 injured in the attack, which the Pakistan Taliban has claimed responsibility for.

The blast struck a busy judicial district, catching lawyers, police officers, and civilians in the morning rush. Witnesses reported chaos as emergency teams raced to evacuate victims from the debris-filled plaza. The attacker detonated explosives near a security checkpoint, according to police, exploiting a moment of crowd movement to maximise casualties.

Pakistan’s defence minister issued a stark assessment following the attack, saying the recent surge in coordinated assaults across the country reflects a dangerous escalation by militant groups. The Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, has intensified operations in recent months, targeting both security forces and civilian institutions.

The Islamabad bombing underscores how deeply the threat has penetrated the capital, a city typically insulated from the more frequent attacks seen in Pakistan’s border regions. Authorities have announced an immediate reinforcement of security protocols, including expanded surveillance, additional checkpoints, and intelligence sweeps across major urban centres.

Regional analysts warn that the attack signals a broader strategic push by the Pakistan Taliban, which has capitalised on instability across neighbouring areas and the shifting dynamics following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Pakistan’s government is now facing renewed pressure to accelerate counterterrorism measures, even as domestic politics and economic challenges strain national cohesion.

For residents of Islamabad, the bombing marks one of the deadliest attacks in years, shattering a period of relative calm and raising concerns about the capital’s vulnerability. As investigators work to identify the network behind the operation, officials say more attempts are likely, and the country must brace for an extended period of heightened threat.