Home is bleeding: Mahira Khan, Maya Ali, others terrified for Karachi post attack on KPO

A regular Friday evening rather shockingly upended when terrorists wearing suicide vests, carrying automatic weapons and grenades stormed the Karachi Police Office (KPO) post Maghrib prayers. A gun battle ensued, which continued for over three hours, as security forces went floor-to-floor through the building in pursuit of the assailants.

The forces retook the building after killing the three militants, a government spokesperson said. Two policemen and a ranger were among the four people martyred as a consequence while 16 others sustained injuries. The attack, claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), comes mere weeks after a blast succumbed a police mosque in Peshawar, killing over hundreds, mostly police officials.

Now, celebrities have raised their concerns about the sudden surge in targeted attacks, and offered their condolences to the armed officials safeguarding our country against radicals.

Taking to Twitter, actor Mahira Khan commented, “Allah rehem (God have mercy) Karachi. Praying hard everyone is safe.” Singer and host Fakhr-e-Alam added, “Tonight we must celebrate Sindh Police, Sindh Rangers and Pakistan Army for sending the terrorist straight to hell. Those who embraced martyrdom, we thank you for your sacrifice.”

Maya Ali lamented, "My heart is breaking into pieces. Karachi, my second home, is bleeding. Praying for everyone’s safety." While Farhan Saeed added, "Prayers for Karachi and a lot of prayers and love for the jawans that took part in the operation."

Veteran Samina Peerzada tweeted, "My Karachi" while actor Adnan Siddiqui prayed for mercy. "Praying for the safety and well-being of all involved. Ya Allah have mercy on us," he wrote with the trending hashtag 'Karachi'.

The tightly guarded KPO is located behind the Saddar police station on Shahrah-e-Faisal. The compound is home to dozens of administrative and residential buildings as well as hundreds of officers and their families.

The attack began between 7pm and 7:30pm. The terrorists, reportedly drove a silver-coloured vehicle to reach the Saddar Police Lines behind the KPO. The assailants first entered a local mosque near the KPO under the cover of indiscriminate fire. The imam of the mosque told The Express Tribune that he had concluded the Maghrib prayers, when he heard the gunshots.

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