Five killed in gun attack on Karachi majlis

KARACHI: At least five people were killed and many others were wounded in what appeared to be a sectarian attack in Karachi on Saturday, police said.

The death toll is feared to go up as at least two people are critically injured.

The gun attack took place in a residential area near a police station in Nazimabad No 4 area of the city. A Rangers station is located merely half a kilometer from the attack site.

According to police, two gunmen riding a bike entered a street in Nazimabad and attacked a majlis (Shia religious gathering) which was under way in a tent.

Rescue officials confirmed that five people perished in the firing incident. Those killed or injured in the attack were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Police and Rangers reached the scene, cordoned off the area and launched a probe.

Initial probe suggests that there were four attackers. Two assailants targeted the male participants of the majlis while their accomplices gave them a cover.

According to an eyewitness, two gunmen wearing helmets opened fire on the male section of the majlis at 5:45 and escaped.

Taking notice of the incident, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah made a telephone call to Sindh police chief and asked him to bring the perpetrators of the terrorist attack to justice.

On the other hand, IG police Mushtaq Mehr asked for a report about the attack.

According to the police, many empty shells of 9mm firearm were recovered from the scene of attack.

Police say they were not informed about the majlis.

In a press atement, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali condemned the terrorist attack. - SAMAA