Karachi tragedy toll rises to 43
KARACHI: The death toll in the suicide blast yesterday at the mourning procession taken out in connection with Yaum-e-Ashur rose to 43,
According to Secretary Health Syed Hashim Raza Zaidi, there are at least 40 bodies at Civil Hospital, two in Jinnah Hospital and a body is present at Agha Khan Hospital.
Meantime, day of mourning is being observed today across the province in connection with the MA Jinnah Road tragedy that occurred yesterday in the central mourning procession taken out to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.)
All the commercial hubs of the city are closed today. However, the stock market is open. Transport is absolutely absent from the roads. A mini-bus has been torched in Gulistan-e-Jauhar today’s morning.
The schools are closed owing to the winter vacations. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, after visiting the injured at Jinnah Hospital last night, announced public holiday for today. Therefore, the education institutions, offices and the roads are presenting a deserted look.
The fire on Bolton Market buildings lighted by the enraged people after the suicide blast in central mourning procession, could not be extinguished thus far. While, more vehicles were called from Hyderabad to assist the firefighters here.
Saddar Alliance President Faheem Noori said the loss worth at least Rs20 to 30 billion has hitherto been estimated; while, 1500 to 3000 shops have been gutted.
The funeral prayers for Rangers personnel Abdur Razzaq, who laid down his life while intercepting the suicide bomber, have been offered at Polo Ground in Karachi. Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and other high-ups attended the funeral.
Karachi market fire still raging
KARACHI: The fire on Bolton Market buildings lighted by the enraged people after the suicide blast in central mourning procession, could not be extinguished thus far,
The intense fire caused a potion of the affected building to fall down.
Following the suicide blast yesterday on tenth of Muharramul Haram in the central mourning procession, the over 1100 shops, godowns and offices were gutted.
Also, three banks and over 70 vehicles around MA Jinnah Road were torched.
The inferno at Bolton Market was brought under control after continuous efforts lasting for four hours; however, the blaze soon raged again after some moments. The clouds of smoke are still seen hovering over the markets including Bolton Market.
Meanwhile, a part of two-storey building caved in due to the intense fire. The low-intensity explosions are being heard even today owing to the chemicals housed at some shops.
The security personnel stationed there are trying to keep people off the affected sites.
Meantime, two more vehicles have been set ablaze in Korangi and Pehalwan Goth today’s morning.
MA Jinnah Road tragedy: death tolls at 40
KARACHI: The death toll in the suicide blast yesterday at the mourning procession taken out in connection with Yaum-e-Ashur rose to 40,
According to hospital sources, at least 38 bodies have been brought to civil Hospital; while two bodies were taken to Jinnah Hospital.
The several injured were shifted to private hospitals.
According to the initial investigations, at least 16-kg explosive, nails and pellets were used in the suicide blast.
According to the investigation officials, the CCTV footage has been received from the City Government cameras.
The deceased include two Rangers personnel, Geo News reporter Faheem Siddiqui’s son Bazil Siddiqui and niece Anzalna Haneef. Over 100 people including journalists were injured in the blast.
The funeral prayers would be offered today at MA Jinnah road after Zuhrain.
Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah announced the public holiday in the entire province; while, Transport Ittehad and traders announced to support today’s strike.
Death toll at Karachi Ashura procession blast hits 33
KARACHI: The death tally, in suicide blast at the mourning procession in connection with Ashura – 10th Muharram, has mounted to 33 people while as many as another 80 unfortunate persons sustained wounds here at MA Jinnah Road in Karachi on Monday,
The blast struck the city’s main Ashura procession when the suicide bomber blew himself up near Light House at MA Jinnah Road, killing initially at least 32 people and wounding 80 more.
More than 400 shops and over 50 vehicles were set on fire by the enraged mob in different parts of the metropolis.
The blast triggered stampede and panic among the participants of the procession. Some unknown armed men also fired shots. Fire broke out after the blast in Karachi, fanning thick smoke into the sky, and people were running in all directions.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of mourning processions converged to Nishtar Park, from where they marched down the MA Jinnah Road. As the mourners reached the Tibet Center, a powerful blast took place.
Fahim Siddiqui, senior reporter of Geo News, is also among the injured. Siddiqui has been shifted to a nearby hospital, where he is getting emergency treatment.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik strongly condemned the blast and termed it a suicide attack. Malik said no Muslim could be involved in such heinous acts of terrorism.
MQM chief Altaf Hussian also called upon the people to maintain calm.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, in their separate messages, have also strongly condemned the blast at main procession of Aushra in Karachi on Monday.
The President and the Prime Minister also ordered immediate inquiry and submission of report. They also ordered for provision of immediate best medical facilities to the injured. The two leaders also appealed to the masses to remain peaceful.
According to media reports, angry mob have set ablaze Light House building situated at the MA Jinnah Road. While several vehicles, parked around the city court, have also been set on fire, sources said.
People are stranded in the building, which was set on fire.
There are also reports of unrest at different parts of the city, including Numaish, Jafar Society and MA Jinnah Road.
Edhi ambulances, KESC vehicles and police mobiles were torched.
Altaf demands probe in Karachi blast
LONDON: Quaid Muttahida Qaumi Movement Altaf Hussain, strongly condemning the suicide blast at morning procession of Ashura, here in Karachi has asked government for impartial investigation into the tragedy.
In a statement issued from here, Altaf said those targeted the innocent people mourning the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) are no less than Yazid and his followers.
He also offered condolence to the heirs of deceased mourners and prayed for the eternal life of martyred people.
FM Qureshi condemns Karachi suicide blast; urges restraint
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi strongly condemning the suicide blast in Karachi on Monday has urged the valiant and vibrant people of Karachi to show restraint lest our enemies succeed in their evil designs of stoking inter-sectarian clashes and destabilizing Pakistan.
The Foreign Minister, in a statement, also urged the political leadership to step forward and put up a united front against violent extremism to its complete elimination from our midst.
“It is incumbent upon all religious and political leaders to bury their differences in the larger interest of putting Pakistan on the upward trajectory of stability and prosperity”, he underlined.
The Foreign Minister said that “our enemies wanted to see Pakistan plunge into chaos and economic meltdown. Therefore, this time they targeted the biggest city and the commercial hub of Pakistan.
“It is therefore important that we should not be tricked into their machinations by burning our own vehicles and properties, and in turn helping these evil minded-people to promote their nefarious agenda against Pakistan”.
He said, “our ongoing fight against terrorism has reached a critical stage. The successes achieved in Swat and Malakand and in the FATA region have broken the back of terrorists. Coward foreign militants are now fleeing the country”.
The government and the people of Pakistan are determined never to allow these violent extremists to regroup again, he added.
Foreign Minister Qureshi said that targeting a religious procession was most reprehensible. “The people of Karachi have always shown utmost resilience in the face of crisis. This time, too, the people of Karachi will thwart any conspiracy against our great city and Pakistan”, he added.
The Foreign Minister expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls. He also prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the heinous act of terrorism.
President appeals for calm and restraint
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has appealed all sections of the society for calm and restraint and urged the people of Karachi not to be provoked by the “most reprehensible act of terror on the solemn occasion of Yom-e-Ashura procession in Karachi Monday evening”.
In a statement the President said that the fanatics wanted to provoke frenzy and riots to achieve their designs and called upon the people not to fall into their trap. “A deliberate attempt seems to be afoot by the extremists to turn the fight against militants into a sectarian clash and make the people fight against one another”, he said.
“These are challenging times and we have to guard against such attempts by using force against extremists and militants on the one hand and exhibiting wisdom and patience on the other”.
The President called upon all sections of the society that while condemning the extremists they should refuse to fall into the trap being laid for fanning sectarian clashes in the country.
He also asked the people and particularly the PPP workers to visit the hospitals and donate blood for the victims of Monday’s attack on the Ashura procession.
President Zardari said that no words were strong enough to condemn the attack on the religious procession.
He also asked the concerned authorities to press into service all resources for the rehabilitation of the families of the victims and treatment of those injured.
Farooq Sattar calls PM Gilani
KARACHI: MQM leader and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Farooq Sattar has called PM Gilani on telephone and sought from him assistance to bring under control the fierce inferno which broke out on Pakistan’s biggest wholesale Boltan Market after suicide attack on Ashura mourning procession located on MA Jinnah Road.
According to sources, the rescue members, snorkels and fire tenders from city government, Pakistan Navy and fire brigade department are participating in rescue efforts and trying to bring the fierce blazes of fire under control for last several hours.
Sources said, due to the intensity of fire and the congested places where the shops are closely situated, the fire fighting efforts are being adversely effected meanwhile, goods worth of billions of rupees have been burnt to aches and the fire is still out of control.
There is no shortage of water in the area; however, the tension and panic has also hurdled rescue activities whereas owners of the shops have also arrived on the place to extinguish fire on their own, sources said.
Musharraf calls for stamping out terrorism
ISLAMABAD: Former President Pervez Musharraf has said the terrorism should be uprooted at all costs, saying, this menace should be nipped in the bud, Geo news reported on Monday.
He said the law and order situation in country could not be maintained until complete elimination of this menace.
Musharraf was talking to Barrister Saif Ali on telephone. He strongly deplored the suicide attack on Ashura morning procession.
He appealed to nation to remain united to foil the evil designs of terrorists and demanded continuation of anti-terrorism combat.
PM condemns Karachi blast; appeals for calm, unity
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while strongly condemning the blast at Ashura procession in Karachi on Monday, has appealed to the people of Karachi to remain calm and maintain peace.
He also urged all political leaders to play their role in calming down the situation in Karachi.He also asked the political workers to activity participate in the relief efforts and donate blood for the injured.
The Prime Minister in a message appealed to the people of Karachi to display calm, peace and maintain complete unity and solidarity among their ranks and file and do not let the enemies of Islam succeed in their evil designs.
He said that today’s act of terrorism is a clear proof that such elements have no religion and no faith.
The terrorists, the Prime Minister said wanted to create law and order situation in the country to impede the progress and prosperity of the people.
He expressed the government’s resolve to continue fighting against militants with the support of the people till their complete elimination from the country.
The Prime Minister said that it is the need of the hour that political leadership across the country extend complete support to the efforts of the government to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The Prime Minister offered his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the blast victims’ families and prayed to Almighty Allah to shower His countless blessings upon the departed souls.
He also wished early recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the Sindh authorities to provide immediate help and succor to the victims of the unfortunate incident.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the role of law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism and rendering sacrifices to safeguard the lives of innocent people from the hands of the terrorists.
CM announces Rs5 lachs compensation for each martyr heirs
ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah Monday announced a total of Rs500,000 for the heirs of each martyred and Rs100,000 each for the injured of the suicide attack on the Ashura procession in Karachi and also their complete free treatment, Geo news reported on late on Monday.
Talking to a private television news channel, he strongly condemned the inhuman act and sympathised with the heirs of the martyred and prayed for their departed souls.
He also prayed for the early recovery of the injured and directed the concerned authorities to ensure quality treatment to the wounded.
He urged the people to remain peaceful as creating an adverse law and order situation was tantamount to fulfilling the evil designs of the terrorists.
Fierce inferno at Bolt Market tamed
KARACHI: The fierce blazes of inferno, broke out in scores of shops stretched from Bolton Market to Light House Market, have been brought under control after several hours of rescue efforts, meanwhile, the cooling process is underway, Awaz Apni news reported late on Monday night.
According to eyewitnesses, as many as 500 shops have been completely burnt to aches,
According to details, in reaction against the suicide attack on Asuhre procession on M.A Jinnah Road which claimed at least 33 lives, the unknown miscreants set scores of shops stretched from Boltan to Light House Markets on fire, which engulfed almost 500 shops in no time, burning to aches entire goods and materials made of cloths and plastic and worth of billions of rupees.
Subsequently, rescue efforts were kicked off shortly after fire eruption and following 9-hour long fire extinguishing activities, the fierce blazes have been brought under control meanwhile, the cooling process is underway.
Some adjoining markets including medicine market are still on fire which the fire tenders are trying to bring under control, sources said.
As many as 36 fire tenders, snorkels and water tankers from Fire Brigade Department, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan Navy (PN), Defense Housing Authority (DHA), Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) participated in rescue work.
Malik orders probe into Bolton Market fire
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik, issuing orders to probe into fire eruption tragedy, which engulfed 500 shops located in Boltan and Light House Markets, has constituted a joint investigation committee headed by Director FIA to investigate into incident,
According to details, Rehman Malik has taken serious note on the fire eruption tragedy and vowed to bring to justice those involved in setting markets on fire.
The fierce fire has been brought under control after 9-hour long rescue efforts meanwhile, 500 shops have been burnt to ashes carrying goods worth of billions of rupees but no loss of life or injury was reported.
JA to observe 3-day countrywide mourning
KARACHI: The three-day mourning will be observed as announced by Jafaria Alliance (JA) in order to mourn the deaths, occurred due to suicide attack on Ashura procession on M.A Jinnah Road, from Tuesday December 29, 2009 to Thursday, December 31, 2009,
According to details, Shiite scholars, hailing from JI, made announcement of observing three-day mourning during a press conference here on Monday.
Karachi mourns over suicide attack
KARACHI: The scenario of grief and mourn has blanketed the metropolis city of Karachi – the provincial capital of Sindh following suicide attack on Ashura procession which claimed 33 lives and left over 80 wounded,
90 percent petrol pumps remained closed in city and even the busiest Shahrahs including Shahra-e-Faisal looked deserted.
There remained no traffic or people on road all across city but only the sirens of ambulances; police mobiles and rangers vehicles were audible.
It may be mentioned here that Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has announced provincewide public holiday on Tuesday in order to express solidarity with the families who lost precious lives of their dear ones.
16-kg C4 explosives used in Ashura attack
KARACHI: C4 explosive material weighing 16 kilograms was used to carry out suicide attack on major Ashura procession on MA Jinnah Road near Boltan Market on Monday, officials said.
According to sources, the bomb disposable squad claimed that 16 kilogram C4 explosive material was used by suicide bomber to explode himself amid major mourning procession in connection with Ashura, which played havoc with humanity, claiming lives of 33 people and injuring another 80.
Monday Dec 28, 2009
Suicide bomber kills 30 at Karachi Ashura procession
KARACHI: At least 30 people were killed and scores of people wounded on Monday after a powerful blast ripped through the Karachi’s main Ashura procession at MA Jinnah Road.
The blast struck the city’s main Ashura procession near Tibet Center at MA Jinnah Road, killing at least 30 people and wounding 80 others.
Fahim Siddiqui, senior reporter of Geo News, is also among the injured. Siddiqui has been shifted to a nearby hospital, where he is getting emergency treatment.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of mourning processions converged to Nishtar Park, from where they marched down the MA Jinnah Road. As the mourners reached the Tibet Center, a powerful blast took place.
The blast triggered stampede and panic among the participants of the procession. Some unknown armed men also fired shots. Fire broke out after the blast in Karachi, fanning thick smoke into the sky, and people were running in all directions.
Speaking to Awaz Apni News, Interior Minister Rehman Malik strongly condemned the blast and termed it a suicide attack. Malik said no Muslim could be involved in such heinous acts of terrorism.
MQM chief Altaf Hussian also called upon the people to maintain calm.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, in their separate messages, have also strongly condemned the blast at main procession of Aushra in Karachi on Monday.
The President and the Prime Minister also ordered immediate inquiry and submission of report. They also ordered for provision of immediate best medical facilities to the injured. The two leaders also appealed to the masses to remain peaceful.
According to media reports, angry mob have set ablaze Light House building situated at the MA Jinnah Road. While several vehicles, parked around the city court, have also been set on fire, sources said.
People are stranded in the building, which was set on fire.
There are also reports of unrest at different parts of the city, including Numaish, Jafar Society and MA Jinnah Road.
Edhi ambulances, KESC vehicles and police mobiles were torched.
Suicide bomber kills 25 at Karachi Ashura procession
KARACHI: At least 25 people were killed and scores of people wounded on Monday after a powerful blast ripped through the Karachi’s main Ashura procession at MA Jinnah Road.
The blast struck the city’s main Ashura procession near Tibet Center at MA Jinnah Road.
Fahim Siddiqui, senior reporter of Geo News, is also among the injured. Siddiqui has been shifted to a nearby hospital, where he is getting emergency treatment.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of mourning processions converged to Nishtar Park, from where they marched down the MA Jinnah Road. As the mourners reached the Tibet Center, a powerful blast took place.
The blast triggered stampede and panic among the participants of the procession. Some unknown armed men also fired shots. Fire broke out after the blast in Karachi, fanning thick smoke into the sky, and people were running in all directions.
Speaking to Geo News, Interior Minister Rehman Malik strongly condemned the blast and termed it a suicide attack. Malik said no Muslim could be involved in such heinous acts of terrorism.
MQM chief Altaf Hussian also called upon the people to maintain calm.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, in their separate messages, have also strongly condemned the blast at main procession of Aushra in Karachi on Monday.
The President and the Prime Minister also ordered immediate inquiry and submission of report. They also ordered for provision of immediate best medical facilities to the injured. The two leaders also appealed to the masses to remain peaceful.
According to media reports, angry mob have set ablaze Light House building situated at the MA Jinnah Road. While several vehicles, parked around the city court, have also been set on fire, sources said.
People are stranded in the building, which was set on fire.
There are also reports of unrest at different parts of the city, including Numaish, Jafar Society and MA Jinnah Road.
Edhi ambulances, KESC vehicles and police mobiles were torched.
Unrest in parts of Karachi, dozens of vehicles torched
KARACHI: Enraged people set several vehicles on fire in reaction to a power blast that ripped through Karachi’s main Ashura procession, killing at least 20 people and inuring many more.
According to media reports, angry mob have set ablaze Light House building situated at the MA Jinnah Road. While several vehicles, parked around the city court, have also been set on fire, sources said.
People are stranded in the building, which was set on fire.
There are also reports of unrest at different parts of the city, including Numaish, Jafar Society and MA Jinnah Road.
Edhi ambulances, KESC vehicles and police mobiles were torched.
Altaf Hussain appeals for calm in Karachi
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain, condemning the today’s suicide blast at Karachi Ashura procession, has appealed to masses to remain peaceful.
Speaking to Geo News on phone from London, he said attack on the mourner of Hazrat Imam Hussain was a cowardly act. He said that innocent people were martyred in the blast.
He said that he had been repeatedly warning the citizens of Karachi and Pakistan from the threat of Talibanization. However, the authorities did not pay heed to my warnings.
“I appeal to the affected families that they should maintain calm,” he said.
The MQM chief also expressed profound grief with the aggrieved families.
It may be mentioned here that at least 20 people were martyred and many more injured when a suicide bomber blew him up at the city’s main Ashura procession.
Political, religious leaders condemn Karachi blast
ISLAMABAD: Denouncing the Karachi suicide blast, different political and religious leaders have called on people to remain peaceful.
Tehrik Nifaz-e-Jafria chief Agha Syed Hamid Mousvi has said that torture, cruelty, unrest, fire and violence are against the philosophy of mourning.
Allama Sajid Ali Naqvi said that people involved in violence and unrest have no connection with the mourning.
National Assembly’s Speaker Fehmida Mirza, Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Defense Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Farzana Raja, Fauzia Wahab, Information Minister Kamar Zaman Kaira and Minister of State Samsam Bukhari have denounced the blast.
Besides, Minister of Manpower Khurshid Shah, Nayyar Bukhari, Textile Minister Rana Farooq, Petroleum Minister Naveed Qamar, Water and Power Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf and Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin also condemned the blast, which killed at least 25 people. They said that people should keep an eye on anti-people elements.
PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat, Mushahid Hussain, PML-N leaders Ahsan Iqbal, Ishaq Dar, Hanif Abbasi and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also denounced the blast.
Ghani, Hoti denounce Karachi blast
PESHAWAR: Governor and Chief Minister of NWFP, Owasi Ghani and Amir Haider Hoti, condemning the Karachi suicide attack, termed it a national tragedy.
In a statement issued from NWFP, Governor Ghani said that it was a brutal act of barbarism by the terrorists.
Chief Minister Hoti, in his condolence statement, said that those who are shedding the blood of innocent Muslims do not deserve to be called Muslims. The government people of NWFP stand by the aggrieved families in this hour of tragedy, he said.
NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Senior Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour, Federal Local Bodies Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour also condemned the blast.
It is reminded that 30 people were killed and more than 80 people injured in the blast that ripped through Karachi’s main Ashura procession.
Blast kills 20, injures 45 at Karachi Ashura procession
KARACHI: At least 20 people were killed and scores of people wounded on Monday after a powerful blast ripped through Karachi’s main Ashura procession at MA Jinnah Road.
Sindh Health Minister Dr. Saghir Ahmed confirmed Geo that 20 people were martyred in the blast.
The blast triggered stampede and panic among the mourners, who pelted stones at the police vehicles. Some eyewitnesses said they have heard some gunshots on the occasion.
The ambulances soon reached the blast site and shifted the injured to the hospitals, where emergency has already been declared.
Police sources said they are trying to confirm the nature of the blast.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the blast that ripped through the main Ashura procession in Karachi.
In a separate message from London, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned the bomb blast occurred at the Karachi’s main Ashura procession today.
Hussain appealed to the mourners to maintain calm after the blast.
President, PM condemn Karachi blast
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the blast at main procession of Aushra in Karachi on Monday.
The President and the Prime Minister also ordered immediate inquiry and submission of report. They also ordered for provision of immediate best medical facilities to the injured. The two leaders also appealed to the masses to remain peaceful.
Malik terms Karachi blast a suicide attack
ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has strongly condemned the Karachi blast and termed it a suicide attack.
He said no Muslim could be involved in such heinous acts of terrorism. The bomber does not deserve to be killed a Muslim, he said.
Condoling with the families of blast’s victims, he asked the IG Sindh to submit the report.
