Twin blasts claim five lives in Karachi

People gather at the site of twin blasts in Ancholi area of Karachi. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD NOMAN/EXPRESS KARACHI: Twin explosions ripped through shops and vehicles on the main road leading to Ancholi on Friday, killing at least five people and injuring over 50 others. The first blast took place outside a paan shop in a crowded area. Minutes later, the second blast, yards away from the first, took place outside a restaurant. Both the blasts were almost of the same intensity. Initial reports claimed the blasts were caused by improvised explosive devices (IED). However, officials did not say whether these were timed devices or detonated by remote control. Around 10 shops along with nearby vehicles were damaged in the twin blasts. The blasts occured in a largely Shia populated area, forcing residents to take to the streets. This made it difficult for the police and paramilitary Rangers to cordon off the area. The injured were taken to different hospitals including the Abbasi Shaeed Hospital. Speaking to The Express Tribune, DSP Shahid Abbas said they were still trying to confirm the casualties as the victims were taken to different hospitals. “The miscreants took advantage of the security forces relaxing after the protests were over,” he said. Majlis Wahadat-e-Muslimeen deputy secretary general Allama Sadiq Raza Taqvi condemned the attack, saying that the elements who wanted to promote sectarian violence in the country were behind the attack. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement announced a peaceful day of mourning. Published in The Express Tribune, November 23rd, 2013.