Pakistan: 21 killed, dozens injured in Islamabad blast

At least 21 people were killed and 116 injured, some critically, on Wednesday when an explosion occurred behind the Metro Shopping center in the Sabzi Mandi area of the capital city, DawnNews reported. Police and rescue teams rushed to the site of the incident after the explosion occurred. Initial reports suggest that the explosive material was planted inside a box containing fruits. Police said that a remote controlled bomb containing five kilograms of explosive material was used in the blast.

Police added that boxes containing fruits were brought to the market from the Punjab province. The blast occurred at a time when labourers and early morning shoppers were busy purchasing fruits. Police initiated a search operation and cordoned off the area. Police personnel claimed that the incident appeared to be an act of terrorism. Moreover, police arrested a 'suspicious' person from the location of the blast. Sabzi Mandi is situated in the sector I-11 of the capital city and a kachi abadi of Afghan nationals is also located in the same sector. Earlier, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Vice Chancellor Prof. Javed Akram said that 31 injured in the blast were given medical treatment in the hospital and the death toll was likely to increase. Later, spokesperson Pims Dr. Ayesha said the earlier provided death toll was incorrect adding that 19 dead bodies and 73 wounded were brought to the hospital. Following the attack, emergency had been declared in the hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Also, Pims hospital made an information desk which would provide information related to dead bodies and the wounded persons. The attack occurred just prior to the Corps Commanders’ Conference which was held today.

Intelligence warned of attacks

The attack came a day before the April 10 ceasefire by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ends. Intelligence sources had first alerted the police and government officials on April 3, 2014 that possible terrorist attacks in Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta were being planned by militants who oppose the peace talks between government and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “Law enforcing agencies will be the main target of the terrorists, and in the case of their failure, any other official installation or public place,” one official said. “TTP will choose the targets and the informal groups under its umbrella will provide support to the Ansarul Hind activists with weapons and other materials,” he added. Security sources say the scenario looks similar to the terrorist attacks that quickly followed the announcement of a month-long ceasefire by the TTP last month. The most audacious of them was the bomb-and-gun attack on the district courts complex in Islamabad on March 3, which was claimed by Ahrarul Hind group.