Blast rocks Karachi, 40 dead

Islamabad, April 11 (UNI) A powerful blast in the port city of Karachi killed at least 40 people and injured several others this evening.

However, unconfirmed reports claim that at least 47 people were killed.

The bomb was planted underneath a stage at Nishtar Park where a religious congregation had gathered to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad.

Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao confirmed that 40 people had been killed in the blast.

Officials at Karachi's Civil Hospital said they had received 21 bodies, but there were reports of further casualties from another hospital in the city.

''I cannot confirm the number of those injured at the moment,'' Inspector General (Sindh) Jehangir Mirza was quoted as saying.

There has been no immediate claims of responsibility from any militant outfit so far.

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