Karachi, Pakistan – An explosion outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office in Karachi has caused concern ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 8. According to police sources reported by ARY News, no casualties were reported in the incident.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South Sajid Sadozai stated that the bomb disposal squad was called to the scene to assess the intensity and nature of the blast. The explosive material was reportedly placed in a shopping bag along the wall of the ECP office in Karachi’s red zone area, and no ball bearings were found in the material.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) swiftly took notice of the blast and has requested reports from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South and District Monitoring Officer. The ECP directed both officials to submit an immediate report.
A report issued by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) indicated that a ‘homemade’ bomb, using approximately 400 grams of explosives, caused the explosion. The report mentioned the discovery of a time device and a 12-volt battery at the blast site. Additionally, the BDS confirmed that no casualties were reported in the blast.
The incident has raised concerns about the security and safety ahead of the general elections, which are crucial for electing members of the 16th National Assembly in Pakistan. The ECP will be closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the electoral process.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to gather more information about the explosion and its potential impact on the upcoming elections. The ECP and law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts to address any security threats and maintain the integrity of the democratic process. Security measures will likely be heightened to prevent any further incidents that could disrupt the electoral process.