11 killed, 50 wounded in Karachi blast

Karachi, Feb.5 (ANI): A powerful bomb blast ripped through Karachi's Sharah-e-Faisal area, killing at least 11 people and injuring over 50 on Friday afternoon.

According to sources, the blast occurred in a mini bus injuring scores of women and children.

However, eyewitnesses said that it was suicide attack, as a motorcyclist had hit the ill-fated bus causing the explosion.

All the injured have been admitted to Jinnah Hospital here, where condition of many of the wounded is stated to be critical.

The blast site has been cordoned off and an intense combing operation was on the region till the reports last arrived.

The blast comes at a time when the Rangers are in command of the city, which were called in following the continuous violence.

Over 40 people have been killed in political violence in the city, which had erupted late last month.

The Rangers have been given complete authority to establish peace in Karachi.

The violence had erupted on January 29, when some activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) clashed with those of the Awami National Party (ANP), and has engulfed the whole of country's financial capital.

According to police, over 74 persons have been killed in political violence in Karachi since the start of 2010. (ANI)