Pakistan: Bomb blast in Karachi; 2 killed, 14 injured

Karachi: Two people were killed and 14 injured in a bomb blast in Karachi on Thursday morning. Reportedly, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives laden car into Pakistan Rangers Headquarters.

Deputy Inspector General of the Karachi police Javed Odho said, "Te bomb appeared to be targeting residences for the Rangers. He had no information about injuries or whether anyone was killed. Witnesses reported seeing a large plume of smoke in the sky. There was no claim of responsibility but Taliban militants are known to operate inside the city."

A Pakistan news channel has claimed that one suspect has been arrested from the blast site and the Tehrik-e-Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.

The powerful explosion, which was heard across the city, caused extensive damage to the building and a section of it collapsed. It also triggered a fire that was brought under control after about 90 minutes. A television footage showed a column of smoke rising into the sky. The blast also damaged several nearby buildings.

Sindh Police chief Fayyaz Leghari said nine Pakistan Rangers, several policemen and two civilians were among the injured. "We have found body parts, which suggests it was a suicide attack. A vehicle laden with explosives hit the gate of the building," Leghari told the media.

Witnesses said the suicide bomber's truck was carrying vegetables. Officials of the bomb disposal squad said over 100 kg of explosives were used in the attack. The government usually blames the banned Taliban for such attacks as they routinely target security forces.

The attack occurred at a time when Karachi is hosting an international defence exhibition and dozens of foreign delegates are taking part in the event. However, Sindh Police chief Leghari said the site of the attack was far away from the venue of the exhibition.

With Additional Inputs from PTI

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