Audio By Carbonatix
A bomb killed 11 people in a poor district of Pakistan's financial hub of Karachi on Wednesday, mostly teenagers playing street football at a crowded market, officials said.
The sweltering port of 18 million people is largely inured to violence - around a dozen bodies are found around the city every day - but the killing of so many youngsters shocked many residents.
"There was total chaos when the bomb went off. People were screaming and running for safety," said resident Zafar Baluch.
It was unclear who was behind the blast in the Lyari district, a stronghold of the main opposition Pakistan People's Party. Karachi is home to many militant groups, including the Taliban. Many political parties there have armed wings to fight turf wars.
The attack appeared to be aimed at a provincial minister, Javed Nagori, who had come to hand out prizes at the football match, said provincial information minister Sharjeel Memon.
The children had been playing while their parents shopped for the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid. In the run-up to Eid, many markets open all night since residents are fasting during the day.
"There was smoke everywhere and people were covered in glass," said Sheree, who didn't want to give her last name. She was near Nagori's convoy when the blast knocked her off her feet. She saw the bodies of three children, she said.
In the capital of Islamabad, security forces have been put on high alert until the holiday is over.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
GoldBoD as regulator and operator in a way encourages galamsey — Afenyo-Markin
2 minutes -
Greek side Kampaniakos sign Ghanaian youngster Kelvin Lamptey-Mills
7 minutes -
African exporters, manufacturers gain duty-free access as US lawmakers renew trade pact
7 minutes -
NADMO demolitions at Bush Road aim to protect Kpeshie lagoon, prevent floods
9 minutes -
Forty Under 40 Africa presents Ga Mantse with the Africa trophy ahead of 2026 awards in Accra
21 minutes -
Bawumia set for landslide victory in NPP primaries – Kweku Quarshie
28 minutes -
CPP’s Kwame Botsio links Jacobu clash to civic education gap, cites constitutional mandate
30 minutes -
FIFA launch 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil
32 minutes -
24-hour economy to revolutionise Ghana’s economy — Kwakye Ofosu
34 minutes -
The Last Bailout Illusion: Why Ghana’s pledge to exit IMF dependency requires more than presidential promises
50 minutes -
Ayew and Fatawu to work under new manager as Leicester dismiss Cifuentes
56 minutes -
‘This is horrifying’ – Minneapolis residents reel from second deadly shooting
59 minutes -
Attorney-General’s transparency merits Commendation – Kwakye Ofosu
1 hour -
NPP will find it difficult to convince Ghanaians to choose them over NDC – Kwakye Ofosu
1 hour -
NPP set to finalise Ayawaso East candidate without primaries
1 hour
