Unidentified armed men attacked the police chief’s office in Karachi nearly by 7:10 Pm.
Unidentified armed men have carried out an attack on the Karachi police chief’s office which is adjacent to the Saddar police station.
A police officer, who did not reveal his name, told media that the attackers entered the Police office wearing police officials’ uniforms — a tactic similar to the Peshawar mosque suicide attack that claimed the lives of more than 80 people.
Police officials said that armed suspects — whose total numbers are unknown at the moment — fired several rounds at the head office — located adjacent to the Sadar Police Station.
As the attack was reported Police and Rangers concluded the operation to clear the Karachi Police Office (KPO) building from terrorists.
Three terrorists were killed in the joint operation of police and Rangers at KPO which continued for around four hours. After concluding the op, the law enforcers commenced a search operation.
During the clearance operation at Karachi Police Office (KPO), a suicide bomber blew himself up after security officials cleared the third floor.
A powerful explosion took place at Karachi Police Office which came under terrorist attack today. The powerful explosion shattered the window glasses of nearby buildings and a cloud of smoke surrounded the building’s fourth floor.
A suspected suicide bomber blew himself up on the fourth floor.
Rangers and police teams started a joint operation against the terrorists following the armed attack on the Karachi Police Office (KPO) – the Additional Inspector General (AIG) Office.
The Rangers spokesperson said that the quick response force (QRF) of the paramilitary troops surrounded the KPO building and took their positions. An operation was started by Rangers and police to clear the KPO from terrorists.
The spokesperson added that the operation is being conducted on the reported presence of eight to 10 terrorists in the Karachi police chief’s office.
During the operation, at least three militants blew themselves, while two were gunned down during the clearance operation.
Three people including two police officers also lost their lives, and 18 people including Rangers personnel were been injured.
Interior Minister Statement
While Talking exclusively to the media Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that commandos of police and Rangers had arrived at the site to deal with the terrorists.
He said that the federal government is in touch with the Sindh Police and “all assistance will be provided.”Rana Sanaullah mentioned that he had spoken to the chief secretary and IG Sindh, who confirmed that the police saw “six to seven terrorists” entering the building.
Responding to a question, he said there is a general security threat that exists following the terror attack in Peshawar. “All the institutions are fully alert across the country,” he added.
Condolences on Attack
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah took notice by condemning the attack on the Karachi police chief’s office.
CM Murad Ali Shah directed deputy inspector generals (DIGs) to send contingents to the KPO and arrest the attackers. He sought a report from the concerned officer.
“The attack on the Karachi police office is not acceptable under any circumstances,” he said, demanding an initial report from the concerned officer immediately.
The chief minister mentioned that he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed officials concerned to arrest the suspects involved.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman (PPP) condemned the terror attack.
“Condemn the terrorist attack on Karachi police. Sindh police have bravely faced and crushed terrorism before,” he stated, taking to his official Twitter handle.
High Alert
After the Karachi police office attack, the Federal government issued an alert for major cities.
Islamabad IG Akbar Nasir Khan confirmed that security is on high alert in the federal capital, and all officers have been instructed to stay in their respective areas.
“Checking at entry and exit points and inside the city has been increased,” he said, adding that officials have been directed to keep all important buildings and Red Zone on high alert.
“Official vehicles should also be checked,” Islamabad IG instructed, while “citizens should keep necessary identification documents including CNIC with them while traveling.”
