Suicide attack targets Karachi police superintendent, 8 killed

Suicide attack targets Karachi police superintendent, 8 killed

2011-09-19 22:44:48 GMT+7 (ICT)

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- At least eight people were killed during a suicide attack targeting a senior police official in southern Pakistan on Monday, local authorities said. Others were injured.

The incident happened when an explosive-laden car was driven into Senior Superintendent of Police Crime Investigation Department Chaudhry Aslam's home, located in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi in the province of Sindh, the Nation reported.

According to Karachi senior police official Shoukat Ali, six police officers who were stationed as guards at Aslam's home were killed during the attack. In addition, a mother and a child walking to school were also killed. Emergency teams arrived and shifted the bodies to the Jinnah Hospital.

Initial reports indicate that the explosive-filled vehicle was a double-cabin van, packed with about 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of explosives, causing heavy damage to Aslam's home. However, Aslam, who heads the counter-terrorism unit of the Police Crime Investigation Department in Karachi, survived the attack and his family remained safe as well.

The powerful explosion left a six-foot (1.8-meter) crater at the site of the explosion, which created thick smoke and damaged surrounding houses. Four vehicles parked in the area were also destroyed.

The Tehreek Taliban Pakistan, considered the country's Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack through its spokesman, adding that further attacks would continue against those carrying out anti-Taliban campaigns. The Taliban also confirmed that Aslam was the target of the attack, along with those who work with the U.S. and against their group.

Aslam acknowledged receiving several death threats, as he has worked to fight anti-state and militants. He condemned the attacks and stressed that such attacks would not change or weaken his stance against such criminal organizations.

Meanwhile, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate, National Assembly Speaker, as well as federal and provincial ministers and leaders of different political parties have all strongly condemned the suicide attack.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-09-19