Karachi was in complete chaos and panic after several explosions and heavy gunfire were reported near the Pakistan Rangers headquarters on Saturday. Initial estimates suggest that the violence erupted as a result of a suspected suicide attack on a security installation, and police and military personnel rushed to the scene.
Witnesses recalled hearing a blast and continuous firing in the area. Residents said they could hear a powerful blast, heard firing in the air and saw smoke emerging from the area around Rangers headquarters, where security forces rushed to secure the area and contain further attacks.
The authorities cordoned off surrounding roads and launched a large-scale security operation. Ambulances and rescue teams were sent to the scene to assist the injured and assess the extent of the damage.
Although officials were still not yet available on the total number of people who died, local media reported on Saturday that some people were reported to have been injured. Security officials are trying to determine the nature of the attack and how many people were injured, and whether multiple attackers were involved, according to news media reports.
Many militants have targeted the Pakistan Rangers in the past for their law and order and counterterrorism activities, the paramilitary force that is used to police the country. Security experts say the attack could have been aimed at undermining counterterrorism efforts in the region.
Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city and economic hub, was also a city of Karachi, an urban and industrial centre. Police had advised neighbours to stay away from the affected area, and search and clearance operations were ongoing. Businesses and public institutions in nearby areas also beefed up security measures as well.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The evidence collected from the scene (from forensic records and surveillance footage) will help to identify those behind the attack.
Most government officials strongly condemned the attack and promised that those responsible would be brought to justice. Senior security officials said the current operation against extremist networks would continue irrespective of the latest attack and said they would not stop.
However, as the situation is still to be evaluated and the situation is under close surveillance, additional security guards are on the ground at some of the key places in Karachi to prevent any further development.
