Security tightened in Islamabad

Residents in Islamabad were facing tightened security checks on Wednesday in the wake of a suicide bombing that left top officials vowing to halt the rise in deadly attacks.

The district court remained closed on Wednesday while security was stepped up at other court buildings across the city, and long queues of vehicles formed at checkpoints.

"Our army, police, and all law enforcement agencies are alert and performing their duties. Unfortunately, the question remains: Where are these attacks coming from, and how are they happening?" said resident Fazal Satar, 58.

"It was a very powerful explosion," said Muhammad Imran, a 42-year-old police official who was wounded in the attack. "It was a very sudden bang, and I felt like someone had thrown me to the ground," he told AFP.

Sharjeel Ahmed, a 26-year-old student, worried about how the violence would affect foreign investment and Pakistan's ability to host international sports matches.

"In my opinion, this is a serious security lapse, and we must learn from it. If such attacks continue, how will the world trust us?" he said.

Hafiz Mazhar Malik Javeed, a lawyer burying a colleague killed in the suicide bombing, feared for the future.

"All the judges and lawyers were afraid," the 45-year-old said at the cemetery. "We thought, maybe after some times, they will attack us again."

Meanwhile, a terrorism case has been registered over the Islamabad Judicial Complex blast under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), officials confirmed on Wednesday.

According to Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) sources, the case was filed at the CTD police station on behalf of the state.

The FIR includes provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as sections related to murder, attempted murder and other serious offences.

CTD officials said the names and details of those martyred and injured in the explosion have been included in the case record. The FIR also mentions the damage caused to nearby vehicles and property as a result of the powerful blast, which spread panic and fear in the area.

AFP (WITH INPUT FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT)