SUC & MWM announce to observe three-day mourning in Karachi

SUC & MWM announce to observe three-day mourning in Karachi

KARACHI: Shia Ulema Council (SUC) & Majlis e Wahdat e Muslimeen (MWM) have announced to observe three-day mourning day following twin bomb explosions that left 9 people dead and 48 injured in Ancholi area of the metropolis on 22^nd November Friday night.

The explosions took place in quick succession outside a tea stall and a milk shop located in Ancholi area of Karachi.

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 Caterer office. Both the blasts were almost of the same intensity.

The two blasts took place within minutes of each other in the city’s bustling, predominantly Shiit neighbourhood of Ancholi.

“The improvised explosive devices were planted on two motorbikes, which went off with a big bang, killing Nine people and injuring 48 others,” senior local police official Javed Odho .

He said it was difficult to say immediately whether Shiites were the target because Sunnis also lived near the blast site and were also killed in the Blast.

Another senior local police official, Aamir Farooqi, confirmed the attacks and casualties.

Initial reports claimed the blasts were caused by improvised explosive devices (IED) fitted in Motorcycles. However, officials did not say whether these were timed devices or detonated by remote control.

Around 10 shops, several Cars and a Rickshaw 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 AbbasiShaeedHospital. 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 Terrorist of TTP 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.

Shia Ulema Council, Jafria Alliance Pakistan, and Majlis e Wahdat e Muslimeen , along with  Muttahida Qaumi Movement announced a peaceful day of mourning .