Bomb found in train at Cantt Station defused

KARACHI: The Pakistan Railways and local police foiled a terrorism plan at the Cantt Station Karachi on Friday night by defusing an improvised explosive device (IED) concealed inside a bag.

Officials said a suspicious bag was found under the seat 71 and 72 of the coach number 5 of the Awami Express that reached the Cantt Station from Peshawar at around 9pm. After the passengers had left, the train was moved to the washing area where the cleaner found the suspicious bag and immediately informed the railway department officials about it.

The railway administration informed the police about the bag, after which a heavy contingent of police and Rangers reached and sealed the area.

Later, the bomb disposal squad was called and the bag was inspected. The squad found the IED inside the bag and defused it.

According to the bomb disposal squad, the total weight of the device was five kilogrammes, in which two kilogrammes of explosives were used.

DIG Asad Raza of the South Range said the bomb found in the bag was an IED. He added that the train reached the Cantt Station from Peshawar and the suspicious bag was reported at 9:15 pm which was kept under the seat.

The bomb was defused by two controlled blasts.

Speaking to the media, Railway Deputy Superintendent Nasir Khalil said the Pakistan Railway Police and bomb disposal squad personnel had been successful in defusing the bomb. He added that all the train movement was stopped and the station was cleared of passengers during the defusing operation.

Counter-Terrorism Department Incharge Raja Umer Khattab, who was also present at the Cantt Station, said the device contained ball bearings, nails and nut bolts and if timely action had not been taken, a massive blast could have caused casualties.He added that they were checking the exact location from where the suspects had loaded the bag. He said that as it was a timer device, terrorists might have loaded it at Drigh Road, Landhi or Jhimpir stations.The investigators were using technical apparatus to ascertain the facts, he said. Further investigations are under way.