Blast near Karachi University kills four, several injured

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 06 Jan 2023

KARACHI: Four people were killed, including three foreigners, and several others injured in a car explosion inside the premises of the University of Karachi.

According to reports, three injured, including a foreigner, a rangers’ officer, and a private guard, were shifted to a private hospital in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, hospital officials confirmed. Meanwhile, among the deceased were three Chinese, including two females and one male.

The blast took place at 1:52 pm in a van near Confucius Institute a Chinese language teaching center at Karachi University. Following the blast, rescue and security agencies reached the location and cordoned off the areas, initiating rescue operations.

Police sources said that there were seven to eight people in the van; however, an exact number of casualties has yet to be reported.

The blast was initially reported to have been caused by a gas cylinder; however, the police haven’t confirmed or denied any information over the nature of the blast.

Sources further added that the victims were returning to Confucius Institute from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).

They told that two foreigners were going towards the department from their guest house where the van exploded.

Possibility of a suicide blast: Karachi police chief

East Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Muqaddas Haider told journalists that nothing can be said at the moment. Meanwhile, the Gulshan Superintendent of Police (SP) said that an investigation is being conducted on whether the blast was a terrorist act or an accident.

The SP has called in a bomb disposal squad, while the deceased and injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital, where the condition of three of the injured is said to be critical.

Meanwhile, Karachi Police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon said that according to the initial investigation, a burqa-clad woman may be involved in the suicide blast.

CM Sindh takes notice

Taking notice of the incident, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed the East deputy commissioner (DC) and SP east to reach the spot of the blast immediately.

The Sindh CM was directed to shift the injured to the Dow University Hospital. He directed officials to ensure all facilities prevent any casualties.

The chief minister has also asked for a detailed report of the blast from the Karachi commissioner.