At least six people were injured including a woman on Saturday night in an explosion at a milad gathering organised by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) in Karachi's Gulistan-i-Jauhar area, officials said.
The incident took place near the Perfume Chowk locality where the MQM-Pakistan had organised a religious milad gathering. Senior MQM-P leaders, including MQM-P Convenor and Federal IT Minister Khalid Maqbool, Khawaja Izharul Hassan, and others were present at the location when the blast occurred.
MQM-P leader Faisal Subzwari took to Twitter shortly after the explosion, saying several workers of his party were injured. He said Khalid Maqbool, Khawaja Izharul Hassan and others narrowly escaped the attack.
“There are reports of between four to six people being injured. Thanks to God, there are no reports of any loss of life in the blast," MQM-P Rehan Hashmi said. He also confirmed that the party’s top leadership remained safe.
Police and rescue officials confirmed that all injured had been taken to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.
According to initial information from SSP East Azfar Mahesar, a ‘cracker bomb’ was thrown near the venue of the milad.
The area has been cordoned off by law enforcement authorities and an investigation into the incident has been initiated. The bomb disposal squad is trying to ascertain further details regarding the exact nature of the explosion.
