KARACHI: At least three people were killed and at least 15 injured when a hand grenade exploded near a Shia Imambargah in Karachi’s Landhi neighbourhood late on Thursday night, DawnNews reported.

Police officials confirmed that the target of the attack was Imambargah Sajjadia located in Landhi’s Majeed Colony.

The blast was so loud it was heard from far distances, said Nasir Aftab, a senior police officer. “Imambargah building among other nearby houses was partially damaged by the blast,” he said.

Aftab said those injured in the attack were all Shia Muslims who were attending a religious ceremony. Three of them were in critical condition, he added.

Karachi Police chief Shahid Hayat, confirming the incident, told the media that unidentified attackers hurled a hand grenade at the Imambargah, adding the attacker fled away from the scene immediately after the bast.

Police and Rangers have cordoned of the area and launched an initial investigation into the incident.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Karachi, a city of 18 million people which contributes 42 per cent of Pakistan's GDP, is rife with murder and kidnappings and has been plagued for years by ethnic, sectarian and political violence.