KARACHI: Back to back cracker explosions at Karachi Central Jail injured at least six on Saturday night, DawnNews reported.
Sindh Minister for Prisons Manzoor Wasan told media representatives that two "crackers" were hurled inside the Jail. "The exact nature of the attack could only be revealed after thorough investigation, however, all prisoners have remained safe in the attack," he added.
"Security has been ramped up at the sensitive sites (of Karachi)," said the provincial minister for prisons.
Police officials told the media that three crackers were hurled inside the prison, out of which one failed to detonate.
Eye witnesses told DawnNews that unknown motorcyclists fled away from the site after hurling crackers inside the prison.
Law enforcement forces have cordoned off the area and a search operation has been launched inside the prison.
Jail police guards, posted inside the prison's gate, have been reportedly injured and were taken to a hospital. However, exact number of injured is not known as yet.
Meanwhile, relatives of the inmates, who were gathered outside the prison upon hearing the attack news, resorted to stone throwing when law enforcement forces stopped them to see their captive relatives. In response, police started aerial firing to disperse the crowd.
The central Jail has been a potential target of terrorists due to presence of several high profile inmates said to be involved in terrorist activities across the country.
In order to enhance security of the susceptible prison, Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel have now been deployed inside the Central Jail.
Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah have taken notice of the incident and ordered a swift probe into the incident.
The chief minister has formed a three-member investigative committee, headed by DIG East, to look into the attack, Additional IG Karachi Ghulam Qadir Thebo told DawnNews. "SSP East and SSP Gulshan will be other members of the committee," he added.
This is a developing story and will be updated as reports come in
