MOSCOW, January 30 (Sputnik) — At least 40 people have been killed and 55 injured including many children in a deadly bomb attack on Shiite mosque in Pakistani town of Shikarpur.
According to the preliminary reports, the blast occurred during Friday prayers at Karbala Maula Imambargah in Lakhi Dar area and was reportedly heard several kilometers away.
The explosion occured on the same day as PM Nawaz Sharif is visiting Karachi to ensure implementation of the National Action Plan devised to eliminate terrorism from the country. Shikarpur is located around 470 kilometres (300 miles) north of Karachi.
Friday prayers of #Shia Muslims targeted by #Deobandi militants again! 10 killed, 50+ injured http://t.co/1D2UMSLey6 pic.twitter.com/aN0QsxWKpQ
— Jimmy (@A_Rizvi110) January 30, 2015
Earlier it was reported that 12 people have been killed, but according to AFP the death toll has risen to 40.
LIVE: Shortage of ambulances in #Shikarpur; ambulances sent from Sukkar and Jacobabad.
— Fahad Khan (@MrFahadKhan) January 30, 2015
“I have spoken to doctors and urged them to provide the best medical treatment to the injured,” media citing Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memo.
The information minister also insisted the blast did not occur because of a security lapse.
“The entire Pakistan is under threat and militants attack wherever they find a soft target but the blast did not occur because of a security lapse, there security was present at the site,” he added.
Eyewitnesses say a suicide bimber allegedly blew himself up during Friday prayers.
Hospitals are calling for blood donations, local residents are assisting security forces with rescue efforts.
