12 killed in twin blasts in Karachi

Islamabad, March 3: At least 12 people were killed and about 40 injured in two separate blasts in Karachi, Pakistan on Sunday. The blasts ripped through a Shia-dominated area of the southern Pakistani port city.

The first blast occurred outside an Imambargah (Shia prayer hall) in Abbas Town at about 7 P.M. as people were leaving after prayers.

The second explosion went off in the same area within 10 minutes, witnesses said.

The explosions caused extensive damage to residential buildings and destroyed several shops in the area, senior police officials said.

The injured and deceased include women and children. Many victims were trapped under the rubble as teams worked to rescue them.

"Initial investigations show the first blast was of low intensity and planted in a motorcycle and the second one was of high intensity which went off in a car," DSP Qamar Ahmed said.

A police officer, Usman Arian, said the blasts had completely destroyed some blocks of a residential apartment close to the site, dozens of shops and two banks.

Seemi Jamali, a doctor at the state-owned Jinnah hospital, confirmed that they have recorded 10 deaths and were treating around 40 injured.

Another doctor at the Patel hospital, which is located close to Abul Isphani road, confirmed that they had received eight bodies and four more people succumbed to injuries in hospital.

Television channels reported that due to heavy security provided for the engagement ceremony at Mohatta Palace, senior officials of the police and para-military rangers didn't reach the blast sites even after the lapse of two hours.

Ehteshamuddin, the chief fire officer of the city, said firefighters faced problems reaching the blocks because of the damage around the affected areas. The Mutthaida Qaumi Movement and other Shia bodies have announced a complete strike in Karachi to protest the blasts while the private schools association, transporters bodies and the all Karachi trade body have announced a complete shutdown for Monday.

PM condemns blasts, orders probe

Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf, who was in Karachi, condemned the blasts and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

He said those “targeting innocent civilians are serving the interests of anti-state and anti-social elements”.