Gas Cylinder Blast in Pakistan Supreme Court Injures 12; Building Shakes During Repair Work

Islamabad, November 4 A powerful gas cylinder explosion rocked the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Islamabad on Tuesday, injuring at least 12 people and causing panic inside the country’s top judicial building. The blast reportedly occurred in the basement of the Supreme Court during repair work on the central air-conditioning system, according to local media reports. The explosion sent shockwaves through the building, shaking courtrooms and offices. Witnesses said that the blast caused chaos, with judges, lawyers, and staff members rushing outside to safety. Security officials immediately cordoned off the area and began evacuation procedures. According to the reporters, the incident took place near the court’s canteen, which is reserved exclusively for Supreme Court staff. The canteen is located close to the basement area where maintenance work on the air-conditioning system was being carried out. Sources said Courtroom No. 6 suffered significant structural damage as a result of the explosion. At the time of the incident, Justices Ali Baqar Najafi and Shahzad Malik were reportedly hearing a case. The sound of the blast echoed through several floors, prompting emergency alarms and drawing rescue teams to the scene within minutes. Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi told reporters that a gas leak had been detected in the canteen area for several days. He confirmed that the explosion was caused by an accumulated gas buildup that ignited during repair work. “Experts have confirmed that it was a gas explosion,” he said. The injured workers were performing maintenance duties near the air-conditioning plant when the explosion occurred. They were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. According to officials, three injured workers were shifted to PIMS Hospital, while nine others were admitted to Polyclinic Hospital. Two of the injured are said to be in critical condition, and one AC technician suffered severe burns over nearly 80 percent of his body. Emergency response teams, including firefighters, paramedics, and bomb disposal units, quickly reached the site to assess the situation and prevent further hazards. Security forces also conducted a detailed inspection of the building to rule out any secondary explosions or security threats. While no fatalities have been reported, the incident caused widespread alarm across Islamabad, as it took place inside one of Pakistan’s most secure and important institutions. The Supreme Court complex was temporarily sealed off for safety checks, and court proceedings were halted for the remainder of the day. Authorities have launched an official investigation into the cause of the gas leak and the safety measures in place during maintenance work. The Islamabad Police and the city’s administration have been instructed to submit a detailed report. This incident follows several similar cylinder blast accidents reported in recent weeks across South Asia, raising questions about workplace safety standards and the handling of gas-based equipment in public and commercial facilities. Officials have assured that the injured are receiving proper medical care and that no major threat to life remains, though the condition of two workers continues to be closely monitored. Blast Inside Pakistan’s Supreme Court Injures 12 During Repair Work A powerful gas cylinder blast shook the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Islamabad on Tuesday, leaving 12 people injured and causing panic inside the country’s top court building. The explosion happened in the basement during repair work on the central air-conditioning system. The blast was so strong that it shook the entire building, forcing judges, lawyers, and staff to rush outside for safety. Police said the explosion took place near the court’s canteen, where gas had reportedly been leaking for several days. Islamabad Police Chief Ali Nasir Rizvi confirmed that it was a gas explosion, not a terror attack. Rescue teams quickly reached the scene, and the injured were taken to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals. Two people are said to be in critical condition, while an air-conditioning technician suffered serious burns. Parts of the Supreme Court, including Courtroom No. 6, were damaged. Authorities have launched an investigation into how the leak went unnoticed and why safety checks failed. The shocking incident has raised new questions about building safety and maintenance standards in major government offices.