KARACHI (Dunya News) - An explosion occurred in Landhi's Mansehra Colony in the metropolitan city of Karachi, targeting a vehicle carrying foreign nationals, notably Japanese citizens en route to the export processing zone.
Prompt action by law-enforcement agencies thwarted the attack, resulting in the death of two terrorists.
According to Malir Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tariq Elahi, all foreign nationals have been transported to safe and secure location.
Elahi confirmed that the explosion was a suicide attack, with the crime scene revealing the presence of grenades in a bag left behind by the attackers.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East, Ghulam Azfar Mahesar, disclosed that one terrorist detonated himself in the suicide attack, while another was neutralised by police. One terrorist fled.
Efforts are under way to identify the remaining assailants through fingerprints, utilising data from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
He revealed initial findings suggesting that the attackers approached on foot and attacked the vehicle around 6:50am.
According to Mahesar, the assailants opened fire on the van carrying employees, with a company vehicle trailing behind, guarded by security personnel. In response, the security guards retaliated against the attackers.
The incident has prompted heightened security measures, especially around projects such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The authorities have prepared a security plan to safeguard both CPEC and non-CPEC ventures.
Regrettably, three people suffered injuries in the blast, with one reported to be in a critical condition. The injured have been identified as Noor Muhammad, Langar Khan, and Salman Rafiq. One of the two security guards injured in the blast died after a couple of hours.
A vehicle and a motorcycle were damaged in the attack.
Law-enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident, aiming to apprehend any remaining perpetrators and prevent further violence.
PRESIDENT, PREMIER CONDEMN ATTACK
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the terrorist attack in Karachi’s Landhi area.
President Zardari said anti-state elements would be eliminated. He urged the nation to unite against terrorists who wanted to create unrest in the country.
He appreciated timely action of police against the terrorists as a result of which many precious lives were saved.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz said terrorists would be annihilated. He vowed that every nefarious action of the terrorists would be thwarted.
The prime minister prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack. He directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical assistance to the injured.
SINDH CM, GOVERNOR SEEK REPORT
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has sought a comprehensive report on the incident from the Sindh Inspector General (IG) Police.
Shah emphasised the importance of identifying the perpetrators and their accomplices, denouncing their actions as attempts to disrupt peace and order.
He commended the prompt response of police and instructed swift medical assistance for injured security personnel.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori condemned the attack, stressing zero tolerance against terrorism in the city.
He instructed the capital city police officer (CCPO) and the IGP to submit a detailed report on the incident, and urged LEAs to apprehend the masterminds behind the assault.