12 injured as powerful explosion jolts Supreme Court building

ISLAMABAD: At least 12 people were injured after an explosion occurred in the Supreme Court’s cafeteria on Tuesday morning, officials confirmed.

According to Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Ali Nasir Rizvi, the blast took place at 10:55 a.m. in the basement canteen of the Supreme Court building due to a gas leak from an air-conditioning unit.

Three of the injured were shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences(PIMS)Hospital, while nine others were taken to Polyclinic Hospital. The IG said the condition of two victims remains critical, while a technician sustained burns on 80% of his body.

He added that staff had reported a gas leakage complaint over the past three days, and the explosion occurred during maintenance work on the AC unit.

Experts have also confirmed that the blast was caused by gas accumulation rather than any explosive material.

IG Rizvi personally visited the site to assess the situation. Sources said that a small gas cylinder also exploded, causing additional injuries.