“Gas Cylinder Blast in Pakistan’s Supreme Court Basement Injures 12, Shakes Islamabad Complex”

An explosion in the basement of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) building in Islamabad has left at least 12 people injured, including two in critical condition. The blast, triggered by a gas cylinder in the court’s basement cafeteria during maintenance work, sent shockwaves across the court complex, prompting an immediate evacuation of judges, staff and visitors.

Blast details and immediate response

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in the basement cafeteria of the Supreme Court building, during repair work on the central air-conditioning (AC) system. According to official remarks, technicians were engaged in maintenance near an AC plant when a gas cylinder erupted.

Islamabad’s Inspector General of Police, Ali Nasir Rizvi, confirmed that gas had reportedly been leaking in the canteen for several days and the explosion was set off during maintenance activities.

Courtroom activity was disrupted and judges, lawyers and court staff were quickly evacuated to safer zones outside the building. Emergency services, including fire and medical teams, arrived promptly to manage the situation and carry the injured to nearby hospitals.

Three of the injured were transported to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital, while the others received treatment at the Polyclinic Hospital. Two of the wounded remain in critical condition, including a technician who reportedly suffered burns over 80 % of his body.

Damage and disruption at the court

The force of the explosion rattled the lower floors of the Supreme Court complex, causing minor structural damage to the cafeteria and adjacent areas — including Courtroom No. 6, which was in session at the time of the blast. Witnesses described a loud bang, followed by panic and confusion as staff evacuated.

Legal proceedings scheduled for the morning were interrupted and the affected zone was sealed off for forensic inspection and safety checks. Security was tightened around the building, and access to the basement corridor and cafeteria was restricted pending investigation.

Underlying cause and safety concerns

Initial investigations point to a gas leak in the basement cafeteria as the likely trigger. The leak appears to have been overlooked during routine inspections, and the explosion occurred when maintenance work disturbed the cylinder or nearby piping.

The incident has raised urgent questions about safety protocols, gas cylinder management and maintenance oversight in high-security government buildings. Analysts warn that negligence of this kind can undermine institutional integrity and worker safety.

Broader implications and response

The blast at Pakistan’s Supreme Court building, a symbol of the country’s judicial authority, sends a serious signal about the state of infrastructural safety in key public institutions. It underscores the need for regular safety audits and stricter adherence to maintenance protocols.

Officials from the judiciary and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration have pledged full investigations and accountability. For now, court operations will resume only after safety inspections and clearance of the damaged basement zone.

Human impact and next steps

For the injured — especially the two in critical condition — the road to recovery may be long. The technician with extensive burns exemplifies the human cost of the accident. Meanwhile, court staff and lawyers who witnessed the blast are likely to face trauma and heightened anxiety about workplace safety.

Going forward, authorities are expected to:

• Conduct a detailed forensic investigation of the explosion site;
• Review maintenance logs for the AC plant and gas cylinder usage in the cafeteria;
• Tighten safety protocols and emergency evacuation procedures in court buildings;
• Communicate clearly with court personnel and staff about preventive measures and risk awareness.

Final word

Tuesday’s blast in the basement of Pakistan’s Supreme Court building is a sobering reminder that even the most prominent institutions are vulnerable to infrastructural and maintenance lapses. With 12 people injured and proceedings disrupted, the incident highlights the urgent need for robust safety mechanisms. As investigations proceed, the focus will be on safeguarding lives, restoring trust and preventing such episodes in the future.