Judge among 11 killed in Islamabad court attack

ISLAMABAD: At least 11 people including a female laywer and Additional Session Judge Rafaqat Awan were killed in an attack at the Kachehri (local court) located in the F-8 area in the federal capital, Geo News reported.

According to police, two suicide bombers entered the courtroom of additional judge and opened fire and hurled hand grenades. The suicide bombers blew themselves up after police tried to overpower them.

More than 30 other people were also injured in the attack. The injured were shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

Spokesperson of PIMS Hospital, Dr. Ayesha while talking to media has confirmed that eleven dead bodies have so far been received. She said the injured are being provided medical treatment on emergency basis.

It is suspected that this could be the outcome of groups appearing in the court or a daredevil attempt to free an under-trial prisoner.

Taliban Disassociation

The spokesman for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Shahidullah Shahid denied TTP involvement in the attack. Speaking from an undisclosed location Shahid told journalists that all groups operating under the umbrella of the TTP are abiding by the ceasefire.

PBC Calls Strike

The Pakistan Bar Council has announced a countrywide strike against the attack. Vice Chairman PBC termed the assault on the court a cowardly act adding that lawyers will hold a protest on Tuesday.

Inquiry Committee Formed

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Anwar Kasi has formed a committee to hold an inquiry into the attack. According to reports, the committee comprising Justice Shaukat Siddiqui and IHC Registrar Miran Jan Kakar will also present recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.