November 13, 2025
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
Two days following Tuesday’s deadly suicide blast, the Islamabad’s district judicial complex has finally reopened – albeit only for cases that are urgent. The blast caused widespread panic and disruption in the federal capital, after which the court proceedings completely stopped. At the same time, lawyers, in response to the blast, have now decided on a two day strike starting from Thursday, November 13, during which the court proceedings will be boycotted.
A slow day in court
A large number of lawyers and litigants arrived after the hiatus at the Federal Judicial Complex to attend proceedings. Since the blast, security has been tightened across the premises, and every person entering the complex is being carefully screened.
Officials said that clerks of lawyers are allowed entry only after showing official identification cards. Meanwhile, litigants are undergoing detailed security checks, including registration of their personal information, before being permitted inside the complex. By now, the security agencies have thoroughly investigated the blast site and have collected all evidence to support ongoing inquiries.
Meanwhile the lawyers’ community has announced a two-day strike in protest of the incident, with November 13 and 14 as the dates decided for the strike. During these two days, the lawyers are expected to boycott all court proceedings in the federal capital. Family courts’ day-care centers will remain closed for several more days to ensure that safety measures can be fully implemented.
Following Tuesday’s suicide blast, bar associations across the country declared periods of mourning and complete court strikes. The tragic incident has deeply affected not only the lawyers but also the entire nation. Courts in Islamabad are not holding any proceedings today, while security in the Red Zone has been raised to a very high alert level.
All judicial proceedings at the Islamabad District Judicial Complex have been temporarily suspended. Lawyers, clerks, and litigants have been instructed by the bar association to avoid visiting the courts except for cases of emergency. In such instances, lawyers are allowed to appear only if their presence is absolutely necessary.
The strike today clearly demonstrates the judicial community’s unity and determination to stand against terrorism. It also reflects their commitment to ensuring that justice continues to be served despite such tragic attacks.
The Islamabad District Bar Association had earlier announced three days of mourning along with a one-day full strike in response to the incident. The Islamabad Bar Council also condemned the blast, announcing a three-day boycott. The council described the strike as a symbol of respect for the judiciary, the rule of law, and the legal system, as well as a demonstration of solidarity against terrorism.
Similarly, the Rawalpindi District Bar Association declared a full strike today. Lawyers there are permitted to appear only in cases that are extremely urgent. Following the Islamabad blast, the Punjab Bar Council announced mourning and a strike, which led to the closure of subordinate courts across Punjab, including Lahore.
The Peshawar High Court Bar Association, Sindh Bar Council, and Balochistan Bar Associations also expressed deep grief over the incident. They offered prayers for the victims and their families. Lawyers’ leaders emphasized that terrorism, regardless of where it occurs in the country, cannot weaken the legal system. They stressed that the judiciary and the legal community remain resilient in the face of such threats.
Security remains on high alert in the federal capital. Additional police forces have been deployed around the High Court, district courts, and the judicial complex. Entry points to the Red Zone are under strict checking. Furthermore, the federal administration has placed the FC, Rangers, and police on alert to prevent any further incidents. These measures aim to ensure the safety of all court staff, litigants, and visitors.
The President of the Islamabad Bar, Mr. Ch. Naeem Ali Gujjar, Advocate, stated, “This attack is not just on a few individuals but on law, justice, and state institutions as a whole.” He emphasized that lawyers will remain united against terrorism. He added that they will continue to play a role in maintaining peace, security, and justice throughout the country.
The Islamabad suicide blast once again underscores the critical importance of the security of judicial institutions. Ensuring safety in court premises must remain a top priority to protect law and order.
The blast occurred outside the District Courts Complex in the G-11 sector of Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 12:39 pm. At least 12 people were killed, and 27 others were injured. The explosion caused widespread panic in the federal capital, and emergency teams immediately rushed to the scene to provide assistance to victims.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi today confirmed that the suicide bomber responsible for the explosion outside Islamabad’s judicial complex was from Afghanistan.