The cylinder was installed at an auto-electrician's store in Lines area which has a number of stores for auto parts, electricians and auto mechanics.
The blast destroyed the store where it was installed, however no injuries or casualties were reported.
The blast was heard in far off places such as Defence phase VI, at least 10 kilometers from the blast site.
Police, Rangers, Scouts and emergency services have reached the spot and cordoned off the area.
Security forces are on high alert in the city due to ongoing events linked to Muharram.
A Muharram procession had passed by the site before the blast took place. Security forces had sealed all stores along the procession's route in advance.
The minority Shia sect has been repeatedly targeted during Muharram in the past prompting secuirty forces to remain on high alert. Attacks have taken place during the critical days of Muharram 9 and Muharram 10 when activities are their peak.
Rehman Malik forms committee to investigate blast
Interior Minister took note of a cylinder explosion along a Muharram procession route, ordering a Joint Investigation Team to investigate the blast.
People at the blast site questioned that the blast was the result of a cylinder exploding given the proximity to a Muharram procession route and the tell tale sign of ball bearings at the scene.
COMMENTS (15)
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@Abdullah Officially the religion to be declared is only Islam, not Shiism or Sunnism. Shiism and Sunnism both make up the Islam in Pakistan and the wider region. Why must you insist on dividing Islam into sects?
@NK, yes the way u see it Pakistan is another province of Iran.
Duh!! - carefully notice the picture - a blast cylinder does not leave circular shrapnel ! WTH ?!! those are ball-bearings - typical DIY bomb planted by some lunatic !! - lolz the pic was a give ain't it !!
Only a total FOOL would seriously believe that it was a gas cylinder. Like seriously.. such a 'duh' moment.
When we get rid of these LPG gases and Electrician shop owner must be taken into custody for being operating at irresponsibility. Who would be responsible ppl were injured?
I think its high time our public realizes the dangers of installing and driving with CNG/LPG cylinders.
May Allah protect my Shiite brothers and yes I'm a Sunni.
Rip gas cylinder :(
@Imran: Who is afraid of death? Do you think that we will give up the culture of Muharram for our safety? Of course not, We will never let millitent mindsets win. They're trying to acheive their goaks by terrorizing us. We can't be terrorized!
It was unfortunate that such a blast of gas cylindered occurred while strict arrangements were made to avoid unforeseen happening while the Moharram processions were going on.
I must appreciate that within minutes the law enforcing personnel reached at the site and cordon off the area and control the situation.
This was a quick report
That was no gas cylinder blast. That was me after some bad nihari.
OK, lame.
To the editors at ET, why must you use a file photo like that? It's totally unnecessary and may cause distress to some who think its real.
Thank God no casualties.
Since when have Shias become a minority in Pakistan????