At least 11 killed in attack on Pakistani court

ISLAMABAD - Reuters

Policemen collect evidence from the site of a bomb attack at the district court in Islamabad March 3. REUTERS photo

Gunmen burst into a court in a busy shopping area in the centre of the Pakistani capital on March 2 killing at least 11 people, including a judge, police and witnesses said. 

A loud explosion was heard in central Islamabad, followed by bursts of gunfire. Police said at least 30 were wounded. 

"There was a blast, then there was a lot of gunfire. Gunmen were spraying bullets at everyone," said Faisal Ali, a businessman who witnessed the attack. 

No one immediately claimed responsibility. Pakistani Taliban fighters stage frequent attacks around the country, but such assaults are rare in Islamabad, the leafy and hilly seat of Pakistan's government. 

The attack also took place after the Taliban declared a one-month ceasefire over the weekend in order to pursue stalled peace negotiations with the government. 

Rubble, broken glass and charred human remains littered the site of the blast at the F8 market area as residents and police rushed around in bloodstained clothes. 

Police blocked entry and exit points to the area, a maze of narrow streets lined with shops and offices. Pools of blood and severed body parts were scattered on the floor of several of the offices.