Death toll in Karachi suicide attack reaches 40

Karachi, Dec.29 (ANI) : The death toll in Monday's suicide attack which targeted a Muharram procession at MA Jinnah Road here has reached 40.

The blast occurred when a suicide bomber blew himself up near the Light House at the MA Jinnah Road when the city's main Ashura procession was passing by.

At least 30 people were killed on the spot and over 95 sustained serious injuries.

The blast triggered a stampede and panic among the participants of the procession. Some gunshots were also heard which aggravated the situation, The News reports.

More than 400 shops and 50 vehicles were torched by angry protestors in different parts of the city following the suicide blast.

According to media reports, an angry mob set ablaze the Light House building situated at MA Jinnah Road. While several vehicles, parked around the city court, were also set on fire in the violence, which erupted soon after the blast.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, in their separate messages, have condemned the blast, and have ordered an immediate inquiry into the ghastly incident.

The two leaders also appealed to the masses to remain peaceful

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has also strongly condemned the blast, saying no Muslim can ever be involved in such heinous acts of terrorism. (ANI)