KARACHI: At least five people were killed and around ten others injured when a blast ripped through an election office of a political party in Karachi on Thursday night, officials told Dawn.Com.

Initial reports suggest the bomb was planted in a motorcycle near the election office of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Karachi’s Nusrat Bhutto Colony.

The explosion damaged nearby buildings and vehicles. Police and security agencies have cordoned off the area and an initial investigation is underway.

Injured and dead are shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Sources said that three brothers are among the five deceased.

DIG west of Karachi police, Zafar Abbas Bukhari has confirmed the number of casualties. “Five people have been killed and ten injured. The bomb was planted in a motor-bike,” he said.

Party spokesman Qamar Mansur said that the office was closed following a bomb blast on Tuesday which killed five people and injured around 15 at People’s Chowrangi in North Nazimabad.

“All the victims were standing outside the office when the bomb exploded,” he said.

Taliban claim

Meanwhile, the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility of the attack. Speaking to Dawn.Com over telephone from an undisclosed location, TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said the outfit has targeted the MQM as they vowed to do so in the past.

The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) had threatened to target the three secular parties – Pakistan People’s Party, Awami National Party and MQM – in the wake of historic May 11 polls.

Condemnation

MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) leaders Syed Munawar Hasan and Muhammad Hussain Mehanti and others including Caretaker CM Punjab Najam Sethi have condemned the devastating terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad has ordered a swift probe report of the incident from the authorities concerned.

MQM announces day of mourning

The party has announced to observe day of mourning across the Sindh province on Friday. The business, transport and educational authorities have said that they will support the protest call from MQM and would keep all activities closed on Friday.