- DIG South Sharjeel Kharal says multiple cars have been damaged.
- Injured have been shifted to the Jinnah Hospital.
- Initial report reveals an IED was installed in a cycle.
KARACHI: At least one person was killed and thirteen were left injured in a blast that rocked the Saddar area of Karachi late Thursday night.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Sharjeel Kharal, several cars were also damaged during the blast while the windows of the nearby buildings were shattered.
Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab visited Jinnah Hospital to meet the injured of the blast. He was briefed by Jinnah Hospital Head Dr Shahid Rasool regarding the facilities being provided to the injured. Wahab directed the hospital administration to provide best medical facilities to the injured.
An emergency has been imposed in all public hospitals of Karachi, while hospital sources said that the people brought to the hospital have sustained injuries caused by ball-bearings. Kharal mentioned that among those injured were two government employees.
The deceased has been identified as Umar Siddiqui who worked at Jinnah Hospital.
Dr Rasool confirmed that seven injured and a dead body were brought to the hospital. He reported that condition of one injured is critical.
Initial report
According to the initial report submitted to Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah by the DIG South, an improvised explosive device (IED) was installed in a cycle. The blast occurred near the United Bakery.
Meanwhile, sources told Geo News that a vehicle belonging to the Coast Guard was targetted as the vehicle was parked near the site of the blast.
Sources added that all the individuals in the vehicle, as well as the driver, are safe.
On the other hand, DIG South said that no specific vehicle or institution was targetted in the blast.
Condemnations pour in
Extending his condolences to the family of the deceased, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious life.
He prayed for the speedy recovery of all those injured of the blast and directed CM Sindh to ensure proper medical facilities were being provided to the injured.
Condemning the blast, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed his sorrow over the incident and sent heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. He directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shehbaz, in a statement, condemned the blast and expressed grief over the loss of life. The PML-N leader also prayed for the early recovery of those injured.
PTI Chairman Imran Khan also condemned the blast. He also sent his condolences to the bereaved family members of the deceased.
MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Federal Minister for Health Abdul Qadir Patel have also condemned the blast.
This is a developing story. More details will be added.
