There have been two bomb blasts in Karachi around 9:15 a.m. in Mariott’s rear parking lot. So far the word is that these were the car bombs. The two are said to be very strong and severe bomb blasts that jolted the surrounding area. Up to 15 cars have been damaged. The impact was so strong that it shattered the windows of Mariott.
Unfortunately 2 civillians have died as a result and around 5 have been injured.
It’s extremely sad and unfortunate. It boggles the mind as to why would anyone resort to such activities where innocent people are victimized, and financial and economical losses are incurred.
Terrible stuff.
Oh and I got this bit of news while watching some drama on ARY. For a few minutes I couldn’t understand what was happening till I realized it’s a News Flash.
Karachi, March 2: In an audacious attack just two days before President George W Bush’s visit to Pakistan, a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a vehicle carrying an American diplomat, killing him and four others outside the highly guarded US Consulate here.
Over 50 people were also injured in the blast that tore through the parking lot of the luxury Marriott hotel, about 20 metres away from the Consulate at around 9 a.m.
Provincial Health Minister Shabbir Qaimkhani said that four people, including a woman, were killed in the explosion.
A body charred beyond recognition found at the site is believed to be that of the suicide bomber.
Earlier, police said two near-simultaneous blasts rocked the area but later clarified that there was only one blast carried out by a suicide bomber. The blast was so powerful that it caused fire in several parked vehicles whose fuel gas cylinders also exploded. Over 10 cars were destroyed in the attack.
Sad news. The American killed was the No.2 security guy at the consulate. His body or what's left of it has been shifted to the Aga Khan morgue.
I imagine the upcoming meeting between Bush and Mush will be a frosty one. Maybe we won’t get as many f-16's or aid money/loans that keep Pakistan afloat.
bollybuster, who do you think is behind such attacks whose name the government release at once? Although I would highly doubt the credibility if the government releases the names right away, it hasn't even been 24 hours and it'd be hard to digest that they'd have full knowledge and information about the individual(s).
PakPatriot1, from what I heard on GEO News Flash, Mariott's security is not up to the par. Cars could easily leave and exist or would be stationed for hours. At least GEO gave the impression that their security isn't of the best level.
Relax rambo.. I only said that this would be the only way to find out who is behind this. In Pakistan, authorities are completely incapable of handling investigations… The people behind this WILL go scot free, thats a guarantee.
While watching GEO News Flash, I must say I was amazed the way police were going out inspecting and touching stuff. I thought the area should've been sealed, so that the forensics team could investigate appropriately.
this is sickening. many of us have families there. These innocent people do NOT deserve to live in fear of losing their lives the minute they step out of the house.
That’s the difference between police forces in developed countries and in developing countries. Developing countries use older investigation techniques rather than being able to benefit from the latest in forensics.
Although I am deeply saddened, I am not surprised. I was actually bracing myself for some bad news. How could terrorists or political mullahs let go of a golden opportunity like this? Publicity..lots of it. The immediate objective is simple: They do not want the cooperation between Pakistan and the USA to grow, because it goes against their interests.
There is also massive security personnel deployment in Lahore.