Capital reaffirms resolve against terror
A city known for its serenity awoke to heartbreak on Tuesday, yet refused to succumb to fear. A suicide blast near the Judicial Complex shattered the capital's calm, claiming 12 lives and injuring 27.
But as the smoke lifted, another image emerged: police officers, lawyers and ordinary citizens standing together in defiance. In shared grief, their unity became Islamabad's strongest shield.
At PIMS Hospital, sorrow mingles with pride — mothers pray, widows weep and families keep vigil. Police uniforms, black lawyers' coats and everyday citizens stand side by side, united in mourning yet resolute in spirit.
Constable Imran Haider said, "We lost our brothers, but our spirit remains unbroken. This uniform is a promise to protect." Constable Imran Javed recalled, "There was a flash and a roar. I was thrown to the ground, but duty does not end with pain."
Safdar Ali, Senior Officer at Ramna Police Station, added, "Our teams stopped the attacker before he reached the court." At PIMS, ASI Irshad lies wounded. His colleagues gather at his bedside, saying, "He always said pain is part of the job - but we never step back."
Among those who lost their lives was a teenage boy, Tanveer — a quiet, hardworking child who washed cars in the Judicial Complex parking area to support his family.
Police said he lived in Meher Abadi near Golra and had been washing cars belonging to lawyers and visitors for the past year. A police officer told APP that Tanveer had been supporting eight family members, including his parents.
He spent his days wiping dust from car bonnets for a few hundred rupees at a time — yet in a single moment, the dust of terror consumed his own life. His story has left the city with a deeper wound, a painful reminder that the poorest and most innocent often bear the heaviest burden.
Shah Hussain of Safe City Rawalpindi stood beside his injured father, Qazim Shah. "Even in pain, he told me: never fear your duty," said Shah. "Those words are my pride now."
According to Advocate Saif Zulfiqar Abbasi, terrorists had struck "the heart of justice," but "they cannot silence truth." He paid tribute to Advocate Zubair Aslam Ghumman, martyred in the blast. Only hours earlier, Ghumman had celebrated his elevation to the Supreme Court by sharing sweets at the Family Court.
"Zubair was a symbol of courage and justice. His sacrifice strengthens our resolve," Abbasi said, reciting: "The false cannot break us — test us a hundred times, and we endure."
The corridors of PIMS are crowded with citizens, police personnel and lawyers waiting anxiously for news.
A doctor said, "Some are stable, others critical — but their courage gives us hope."
Police spokesperson Abrar Hussain said through tears, "When I write the names of the martyrs — my own brothers — my hands shake. Their blood makes this uniform sacred."
Within minutes, Rescue 1122 and Al-Khidmat Foundation teams were on the scene.
President Altaf Sher said, "We arrived within minutes and transported the injured with dignity."
General Secretary Tayyab Siddiqi added, "Our volunteers stayed through the night, helping families trace their loved ones."
Citizen Muhammad Naveed said, "The blast threw me to the ground. I thank Allah for saving me and pray for the martyrs."
SSP (Operations) Ali Raza Qazi praised his force: "Their courage saved countless lives. Terror cannot prevail. Islamabad Police will protect every citizen." Late into the night, people gathered outside PIMS with food, water and silent prayers.
"My son died saving others," one mother whispered. "I cry, but I am proud." Another said, "These sacrifices are for Pakistan. We will never step back."
Islamabad is wounded, yet unbowed. Police return to duty, lawyers to their courtrooms, citizens to their prayers. Born of hate, this tragedy has revealed Pakistan's true strength — faith, courage and devotion to its soil.
They may wound our bodies, but never our spirit. The blood of our martyrs has made this land sacred and unshakeable.
For over two decades, Pakistan has sacrificed thousands of soldiers, police officers, lawyers and civilians in the fight against terrorism. Each tragedy leaves scars, yet the nation stands resolute, refusing to bow to fear. Every act of terror only strengthens Pakistan's determination to protect peace and defeat those who seek its destruction.