In a bakery located in the Saddar district of Karachi, a blast caused casualties and injuries, marking a devastating incident in Pakistan’s most populous city on a Thursday. Early information from regional authorities indicates that at least one person died and thirteen others sustained injuries as a result of the explosion. The device was reportedly placed on a bicycle and detonated near a facility described as United Furnace, with initial statements pointing to a timed mechanism. Authorities stressed that the blast rattled nearby vehicles and shattered windows in surrounding buildings, underscoring the wide impact on the neighborhood and its daily life.
According to initial assessments reported by the press service, the bomb disposal team confirmed that the explosion involved a time device and estimated the supply of explosives to fall between two and two and a half kilograms. Local officials noted the use of a homemade pump in the construction of the device, a detail that has raised concerns about improvised weapons and the challenges in tracking such threats. The disclosure from the Bomb Disposal Brigade was a key point in the ongoing investigation, accompanying on-site evaluations and forensic collection efforts that aim to determine the exact sequence of events and the exact composition of materials used.
City authorities, including the municipal administration, indicated that public hospitals across Karachi were placed on heightened alert in anticipation of possible casualties. They emphasized readiness to handle a sudden influx of patients and the potential need for rapid triage. The incident prompted comments from city leadership about the persistent activity within a metropolis that never truly sleeps, and the critical role of mobility in a city of millions. Officials noted that Saddar remains a bustling hub where thousands of vehicles traverse daily, and they acknowledged the difficulty of controlling every motorized entry and exit point in such a densely populated area. In the wake of the blast, authorities urged residents to stay away from affected streets, follow official guidance, and report any suspicious activity as a precautionary measure for public safety.