Lawyers, journalists, and political figures have condemned the attack outside a court in Islamabad earlier today, likening it to the “2000s’ wave of terror” and demanding accountability.

At least 12 people were killed and 36 were injured in a suicide blast outside the district and sessions court building in Islamabad’s G-11 area.

The incident occurred as international events were being hosted in the capital, including the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference and the 6th Margalla Dialogue, while a cricket match between the Greenshirts and Sri Lanka was also being held in Rawalpindi.

The United States embassy in Islamabad said on X that it “stands in solidarity with Pakistan in the struggle against terrorism”.

“Our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in today’s senseless attack,” the post stated. “We wish a swift recovery to those injured. We condemn this attack and all forms of terrorism and remain committed to supporting the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to ensure peace and stability in their nation.”

In a press statement, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also “strongly condemned” the suicide blast.

“An incident of this magnitude in the heart of the federal capital raises serious concerns regarding the safety of the legal community as well as of the common citizens,” SCBA President Haroonur Rashid was quoted as saying.

“The [SCBA] demands that those responsible for this barbaric act be brought to justice without delay,” said the statement, adding that they called upon the federal government and relevant law enforcement agencies to take all “necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the legal community and of the general citizens to prevent similar incidents in the future”.

Human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir said there were not enough words to condemn the “heinous attack”.

In a statement issued by PPP, its party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed grief over the loss of lives in the blast.

“Terrorists who target innocent civilians deserve no leniency,” Bilawal was quoted as saying.

Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said “cowardly acts” such as today’s attack “cannot weaken our resolve and morale”.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” he posted on X. “Our struggle will continue until the complete eradication of terrorism and the establishment of peace.”

Former rights minister Shireen Mazari dubbed it a “cowardly” attack, adding that she could not “find enough words to condemn it”.

“This targets those seeking justice [and] those fighting for it on their behalf,” Mazari wrote on X. “Praying for early recovery of the injured, [including] Barrister Talha.”

Artist and activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Junior, who is also the grandson of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, said: “Pakistan finds itself at the crossroads of many battles and we must remain united in the face of divisiveness.”

He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

Journalist Asma Shirazi said that it’s “no longer a war on borders” as the capital had now been targeted.

“The suicide bombing at the Islamabad court is a signal that terrorists will be used as ‘kinetic’ tools against Pakistan,” Shirazi posted on X.

“The war has come to the cities. Amendments and immunity won’t stop it,” journalist Zarrar Khuhro wrote on X. “Red lines have been probed and there are absolutely no good options on the table.”

Comparing it to the early 2000s’ wave of terror, the senior journalist deemed the situation “worse” as it involved “more sophisticated and far better” equipment and funding.

Quoting Khuhro’s post, lawyer Salahuddin Ahmed said, “A tragedy [and heart-rending images. Really really hope we can stop falling back into this wave once more.”

Journalist Zahid Gishkori said on X, “Terror is back to Pakistan with full force.”

He claimed: “At least 7 terror incidents have been happening daily in Pakistan. Over 10,450 terror attacks occurred in Pakistan since Afghan Taliban captured Kabul. More than 3,954 innocent people lost their lives in these attacks.”

Former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that by targeting unarmed civilians, the “terrorists have revealed their vile mindset”.

“We express sorrow over the martyrdom of lawyers and ordinary citizens, and pray for patience and fortitude for their bereaved families,” he wrote on X.

Former MNA Bushra Gohar called the attack another intelligence and security “blunder”, while demanding accountability.