Explosion near ECP office creates panic

A powerful explosion occurred near the front wall of the Provincial Election Commission office on Sharea Iraq on Friday night, creating panic in the neighbourhood.

Upon receiving information, police and Rangers rushed to the scene. The area was cordoned off, and the bomb disposal unit was immediately called in.

Speaking to journalists about the incident, District South SSP Sajid Sadduzai said that the explosion took place at around 8pm. Initial investigations showed that blast was caused by a locally made timer device containing around 400 grams of explosives.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the explosion. It was reported that a boy had found an object in a shopper, picked it up, and placed it near the wall where it exploded. The boy remained unharmed but was taken into custody by the police for questioning.

Responding to a question, SSP Sadduzai stated that there was no security threat from the incident and the blast might have been carried out to spread fear. However, he said, an investigation team was meticulously examining all aspects of the incident. Further instructions have been issued to enhance security in the area, including clearing the parking lot and installing barriers.

Bomb Disposal Squad officer Mustafa Arain has prepared an initial report, which indicates that the explosive device contained a timer device, a 12-volt battery, a detonator, and around 400 grams of explosives. The bomb was locally made and prepared in a soft container.

The BDS team has sealed the evidence collected from the scene and handed it over to the police for further investigation.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has taken notice of the explosion near its office in Karachi. The ECP has requested a report from the SSP South and the district monitoring officer. The report will be immediately presented before the ECP.