Grenade attack targets abandoned security post

Panic gripped the Gulistan-e-Jauhar area on Saturday night after unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle hurled a hand grenade near an abandoned police checkpost adjacent to Ashraf-ul-Madaris, located within the jurisdiction of the Sharae Faisal police station.

This marks the second such attack in Karachi's East Zone within a week, raising serious concerns about the prevailing security situation.

According to police reports, the grenade detonated upon impact with the road, causing a loud explosion that sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood. Alarmed residents rushed out of their homes in fear, though no casualties or property damage were reported.

A large contingent of police and paramilitary Rangers arrived at the scene, securing the area and summoning the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and Crime Scene Unit to examine the site and collect forensic evidence. The explosion created a shallow crater, and shrapnel was found embedded in the surrounding walls.

A spokesperson for the District East police confirmed the incident, stating that the object appeared to be an incendiary device, likely a locally manufactured hand grenade. The BDS is currently analysing the materials used in the device to determine its composition and origin.

This incident follows a similar grenade attack on May 3 in the Malir Kala Board area, where attackers targeted an abandoned Rangers checkpoint behind the Chhipa booth. That explosion left minor damage to a Chhipa Foundation ambulance and a nearby motorcycle, but again, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Security experts have expressed concern over the apparent targeting of vacant security posts, interpreting the incidents as attempts to spread fear and undermine public confidence in the LEAs.

An investigation is underway to determine whether the two incidents are connected. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and other intelligence inputs to trace the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.