KARACHI: Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) on Friday night cleared the five-storey office of the city’s police chief after a nearly four-hour operation — weeks after a deadly attack in Peshawar’s police lines.
At least three militants blew themselves up, while two were killed in the exchange of fire, officials confirmed, when they stormed the office on the main artery of Shara Faisal.
Four people, including Rangers and police personnel, also lost their lives, and 18 others were injured, officials confirmed to JEE News, the latest attack on security forces as terrorism appears to have once again gripped the nation. .
The incident invited strong criticism from top government officials, however, with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif telling JEE News that “condemnation is not enough” and demanding strict action against the militants.
The attack began at 7:10 pm, when police and Rangers personnel cleared the five-storey building in stages, finally clearing the entire office by around 10:46 pm.
Police snipers took up positions near the station and all lights in the area were switched off.
A police officer, who did not want to be named, told JEE News that the attackers entered the office wearing police uniforms – a similar tactic to the Peshawar mosque suicide attack that claimed more than 80 lives.
Police officials said the armed suspects – the total number of which is not known at this time – fired several rounds at the head office adjacent to the Sadar police station.
The police blocked the traffic on the main highway passing through Karachi and a heavy contingent of security forces, including Rangers and commandos of the Pakistan Army’s Special Service Group, rushed to the scene.
‘There is a general security threat’
In a special conversation with JEE News, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that police and Rangers commandos have reached the scene to deal with the terrorists.
He said the federal government is in touch with the Sindh police and “all assistance will be provided.”
Sanaullah mentioned that he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and IG Sindh, who confirmed that the police saw “six to seven terrorists” entering the building.
In response to a question, he said that there is a general security threat after the terrorist attack in Peshawar. He further said that all the institutions across the country are fully alert.
The security czar stressed the need for more measures to counter the fresh wave of terrorism.
“Police have said that the terrorists threw a grenade after parking the vehicle, and used it as cover to enter the building,” he disclosed.
‘Not acceptable’
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) – whose party is in power in the province – condemned the attack.
Condemn the terrorist attack on Karachi police. Sindh Police has bravely faced terrorism before and crushed it,” he said on his official Twitter handle.
Condemn the terrorist attack on Karachi police. Sindh police have bravely faced and crushed terrorism before. We have full faith they will do so again, such cowardly attacks will not deter us. #IstandwithKarachiPolice
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) February 17, 2023
The minister expressed apprehensions about more such attacks with the hope that heinous acts would not destabilize the country.
“We are sure they will do it again, such cowardly attacks will not stop us. #IstandwithKarachiPolice,” Bilawal wrote.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, taking notice of the attack on the Additional Inspector General’s office, directed several DIGs to send the police force to the scene.
“The attack on the Karachi police office is not acceptable under any circumstances,” he said, seeking an immediate initial report from the officer concerned.
The Chief Minister said that he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed the concerned authorities to arrest the accused involved.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tesori expressed concern over the attack and sought a report from Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon. He directed the authorities to take “stern action” against the terrorists. Terrorists should be dealt with strictly. Attack is a very important cause of concern,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon insisted on defeating the terrorists.
Terrorists will be taught a lesson for challenging the government writ. They have launched a sneak attack and this attack will prove costly for them,” the minister said.
Traffic diversion
In view of the terrorist attack, Karachi Traffic Police had earlier blocked both sides of Shaara Faisal from Awari Hotel to Nursery.
To avoid inconvenience to passengers, traffic coming from Awari Hotel was diverted towards Tin Talwar and Cantonment Railway Station. While the traffic coming from the nursery area was diverted towards Korangi Road.
Traffic coming from Korangi Road was diverted to Hino Chowrangi at Defense Mor (intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Korangi Road).
Later, after the area was completely cleaned, the main highway of the city was opened for traffic.
City on high alert
In a statement, IG Islamabad Akbar Nasir Khan confirmed that security is on high alert in the federal capital and all officers have been directed to stay in their respective areas.
He said that checking has been increased at the entry and exit points within the city, adding that the authorities have been directed to keep all important buildings and red zones on high alert.
کراچی پولیس آفس پر دہشت گردوں کا حملہ۔
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) February 17, 2023
آئی جی اسلام آباد ڈاکٹر اکبر ناصر خاں نے اسلام آباد میں سکیورٹی ہائی الرٹ کے احکامات جاری کردئیے۔
تمام افسران کو خود اپنے علاقے میں رہنے کی ہدایت۔
داخلی و خارجی راستوں اور اندرون شہر چیکنگ کو بڑھا دیا گیا۔⏬
The IG Islamabad directed that “official vehicles should also be checked,” while citizens should carry necessary identification documents while traveling.
SSP Hyderabad Police also said that security is on high alert in the city, while blockade and snap checking are in progress.
While in Mirpurkhas, the police say that the gates of all police stations and police lines of the city have been closed and security personnel have been deployed.
