Loud Blasts, Gunfire Rock Karachi Near Pakistan Rangers HQ, Suicide Attack Suspected

Karachi: A powerful explosion, followed by massive gunfire, erupted near the Pakistan Rangers Headquarters in Karachi on Saturday, raising fears of a coordinated suicide attack. The incident occurred in the busy Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, a neighbourhood home to several universities and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), leaving the locals in a state of panic and chaos.

According to initial reports, a suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives close to the Rangers compound, after which other assailants allegedly opened fire on security personnel. The ensuing gun battle was said to have lasted nearly 30 minutes, with residents reporting loud blasts and an intense exchange of fire that echoed across the locality.

The sources stated that the first explosion was particularly powerful, followed by two smaller blasts. Heavy gunfire continued as security forces responded after the attack, which occurred on a major road in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, specifically near Block 5, raising concerns given the area’s dense civilian presence and proximity to educational institutions.

Security Forces Launch Clearance Operation

The police, rangers and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene after reports of the explosion and subsequent firing came in. The security forces have reportedly cordoned off the area and launched a clearance operation to secure the neighbourhood and search for any remaining attackers.

The police sources in Sindh confirmed that the police had received reports of an explosion near Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 5 and had sent teams from its central command and control centre. Multiple videos circulating on social media showed a heavy deployment of police and emergency responders around the site, while intermittent gunfire could reportedly still be heard during the operation.

The exact cause of the explosions, the number of casualties, and the identity of those behind the attack have not been officially confirmed.

Sindh Government Seeks Report

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the provincial police chief and Karachi’s Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) to submit a detailed report on the incident. The incident underlined the seriousness of the security situation in Pakistan, with the terror outfits and terrorists targeting their own countrymen and security personnel. 

Further details regarding the incident are awaited.