Explosion outside ECP office in Karachi, no casualties reported

SSP South describes incident as an act of sabotage intended to instill fear and create chaos

An explosion occurred outside the provincial office of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday in Karachi’s Saddar area. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

The blast took place after Maghrib prayers, with its loud noise echoing across Saddar and surrounding areas. Police confirmed no casualties, but the ECP office's exterior walls were affected by the explosion.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosive material was placed in a shopping bag outside the building. Police officials sealed off the site, collecting evidence, while the Bomb Disposal Squad was summoned to ascertain the nature of the explosion.

#Explosion in Saddar near an office of the @ECP_Pakistan, no casualty reported. #Karachi #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/NbChtulT9y

— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) February 2, 2024

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Speaking to the media after visiting the scene, SSP South Sajid Sadozai disclosed that the blast involved 500 grams of locally manufactured explosives, describing it as an act of sabotage intended to instill fear and create chaos.

Upon examining the incident, BDS reported finding a timer device and a 12-volt battery at the explosion site, with nearly 400 grams of explosive material detonating. It highlighted that the bomb was domestically manufactured and prepared in a soft container.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Secretary, Dr Mohammad Fakhr Alam, took notice of the incident, requesting additional IG Karachi and Karachi Commissioner to submit a detailed report.

Moreover, the ECP has also taken note of the incident outside its provincial office and has requested details regarding the incident.