Militant group instigating attacks in Karachi, says Rangers

Paramilitary force dismisses allegations as part of conspiracy to stoke violence

KARACHI: Hours after two check posts of the Sindh Rangers were attacked with homemade bombs, the paramilitary force said on Sunday that a militant group was instigating such terrorist attacks in Karachi.

“This morning’s attacks on the Rangers’ check posts and the baseless allegations against the force are part of the conspiracy [to fuel violence],” a Rangers spokesperson said in a statement Sunday evening.





A militant group has been fomenting violence and instigating violent attacks in the city for the past few days, he said. This group has been recruiting people for the purpose, he added without naming the militant group.

“We have taken strict notice of these incidents and will arrest those involved in such activities,” the spokesperson said, adding that the paramilitary force has been tipped off about some suspects involved in stoking violence.

“We appeal to the citizens of Karachi not to fall into the trap of these enemies of the state and report the activities of such people,” the Rangers spokesperson added. “Anyone who helps the law enforcement agencies will be provided full protection.”



The statement came hours after two paramilitary check posts were attacked with low intensity homemade bombs in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighbourhood by unidentified men. No casualties were reported in the attacks that took place four minutes apart.

The first attack took place at 7:45am at a check post near Moti Mahal on Rashid Minhas Road, while the second occurred in Essa Nagri on Sir Shah Suleman Road. Witnesses said two men riding a motorcycle hurled something at the posts before escaping. The check posts were damaged in the blasts which the police say might have been carried out by one group. "We have registered the cases and investigations are under way," SP Dr Fahad said. "Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were used to target the check posts," said bomb expert Muhammad Abid. The devices weighed 500 grams each.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2016.