Suicide attack on Ashura procession in Karachi
A blast struck the city’s main Ashura procession when the suicide bomber blew himself up near Light House at MA Jinnah Road Karachi, killing initially at least 32 people and wounding 80 more.
In order to mourn the deaths of people including the mourners of Ashura procession and other citizens, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has announced province-wide public holiday on Tuesday, December 29, 2009.
However all OPPL staff are safe and advised to stay away from chaotic areas for safety sake.
In case of emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Kindly be guided. Thank you.
PRESS RELEASE
Death toll at Karachi Ashura procession blast hits 40
The death tally, in suicide blast at the mourning procession in connection with Ashura – 10th Muharram, has mounted to 40 people while as many as another 95 unfortunate persons sustained wounds here at MA Jinnah Road in Karachi on Monday.
The blast struck the city’s main Ashura procession when the suicide bomber blew himself up near Light House at MA Jinnah Road, killing initially at least 32 people and wounding 80 more.
More than 400 shops and over 50 vehicles were set on fire by the enraged mob in different parts of the metropolis.
The blast triggered stampede and panic among the participants of the procession. Some unknown armed men also fired shots. Fire broke out after the blast in Karachi, fanning thick smoke into the sky, and people were running in all directions.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of mourning processions converged to Nishtar Park, from where they marched down the MA Jinnah Road. As the mourners reached the Tibet Center, a powerful blast took place.
According to media reports, angry mob have set ablaze Light House building situated at the MA Jinnah Road. While several vehicles, parked around the city court, have also been set on fire, sources said.
People are stranded in the building, which was set on fire.
There are also reports of unrest at different parts of the city, including Numaish, Jafar Society and MA Jinnah Road.
Edhi ambulances, KESC vehicles and police mobiles were torched.
