An explosion occurred outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office in Karachi, according to police. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South Sajid Sadozai confirmed no casualties and mentioned that the explosive material was placed in a shopping bag along the wall of the ECP office in Karachi’s red zone area. The bomb disposal squad assessed the blast, and SSP Sajid Sadozai stated, “Ball bearings were not found in the explosive material.”
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) promptly responded to the incident, seeking reports from SSP South and the District Monitoring Officer. The ECP instructed both officials to submit an immediate report.
The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) report revealed that a ‘homemade’ bomb, using approximately 400 grams of explosives, caused the explosion. The report mentioned the discovery of a time device and a 12-volt battery at the blast site.
According to the BDS report, “The detonator of the blast and about 400 grams of explosives were blown away with the explosion.” It further confirmed no casualties and noted that the homemade bomb was contained in a soft container. The blast occurred in Pakistan ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 8 to elect members of the 16th National Assembly.