KARACHI: An explosion took place near a mosque in Delhi colony area of Karachi killing at least four persons,including a woman, and injuring more than 20 others, DawnNews reported.
Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon talking to media persons at the blast site confirmed that four persons had died in the explosion.
He also said that three government vehicles were damaged in the attack and that these vehicles were the apparent target of the blast.
The information minister said that there had been an escalation in such incidents after the expiry of ceasefire announced by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Five auto rickshaws, ten vehicles and scores of motor cycles were destroyed as a result of the blast whereas the windows of several nearby buildings were left shattered.
Ten kilograms of explosives were used in today's explosion, sources in the bomb disposal unit told DawnNews.
They added that around the time of the explosion, a bus with employees of the official residence of the Sindh chief minister had left Masjid-i-Yasrab shortly after Friday prayers.
The sources said the attack was most likely aimed at the bus carrying the CM house employees, adding that the bomber who was in a rickshaw exploded before getting to its target.
Moreover, Inspector General Sindh Iqbal Mehmood said the bus with the CM employees could have been the target of the attack.
Security personnel also claimed to have taken two suspects into custody who were shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning.
According to initial reports, the blast took place near the location of a carpet showroom in the area which was situated between two mosques.
Other eyewitness reports said that the explosion occurred when people were leaving the mosques after offering Friday prayers.
The casualties were shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.
A huge plume of smoke was also visible above the area, following the blast.
Security personnel cordoned off the area as a search operation went underway.
The loud explosion was heard in adjoining areas of Clifton, Gizri and several phases of Defence Housing Authority.
No group or individual claimed responsibility for the incident till the filing of this incident.
The incident comes a day after police officer Shafiq Tanoli and three others were killed in an explosion near Karachi's old wholesale vegetable market.
