At least three of Pakistan’s Sindh Rangers personnel have been killed in an attack on the paramilitary forces building in Karachi, the Dawn newspaper reports. Witnesses said they heard a loud blast followed by gunfire along a major road in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar neighbourhood near several universities and Pakistan’s meteorological department. Three militants were also killed in the attack on the local Sindh Rangers headquarters, Sindh Inspector General Javed Alam Odho told Dawn. A militant rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the provincial headquarters of the paramilitary
force, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire with security forces, witnesses said. Mohammad Bakhsh said he was praying at a nearby mosque when he heard the blast. “The ground felt like it does when there is an earthquake,” the 40-year-old who runs a restaurant in the area said. “When we came out there was smoke everywhere . then the gunfire started,” he said, adding the firing went on for about 15 minutes. A Reuters reporter at the scene said firing had ended and the situation
was calm. This is the most notable attack in Karachi since an explosion targeting a Chinese convoy in October 2024 which killed two Chinese citizens. Attacks in Pakistan’s major cities have become increasingly rare in recent years but a surge in militancy in regions bordering Afghanistan has raised concerns that violence could return to the urban centres.
Karachi, Sindh Rangers, Javed Alam Odho, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, militant attack, car explosives, gunfire, Pakistan
So it was a car bomb then? Crazy.
I saw this and immediately thought it was like the Chinese convoy one, just different target. Why are these places always right near universities too? Seems like nobody can keep it safe.
The article says 3 militants died but also says at least 3 Rangers… I’m confused like is that the same number or did more get hit after the blast? Also the “earthquake” comment got me, like that could’ve been anything I guess. Gunfire for 15 minutes is still wild though.
Karachi really can’t catch a break. I keep hearing “rare in recent years” but then it happens and everyone acts surprised. Sounds like they rammed a vehicle and then everyone started shooting, which feels like something that could’ve been prevented with better checks at the HQ. Idk I’m just tired of seeing this kind of news.