Military

DATE=05/08/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-289558

TITLE= PAKISTAN / BOMBING (L)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: At least 13 people have died in a suspected suicide car bomb

attack in Pakistan. The victims include 10 French nationals two Pakistanis and

the bomber. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.

TEXT: The early-morning bombing took place in the parking area of a

five-star hotel in the southern city, Karachi. Police say the suicide

attacker blew up his car alongside a Pakistani Navy bus, which was

carrying mostly French workers. The powerful explosion destroyed the bus.

Syed Kamal Shah is the provincial police chief. He says the Pakistani

bus driver, a passerby woman and the bomber were among those who died in the attack.

//SHAH ACTUALITY//

Initial investigation reveals that this was a suicidal bomber and he

was sitting there in the car. And, when he saw that everyone had occupied

the vehicle, that is the time he exploded the bomb.

//END ACTUALITY//

The French technicians killed in the attack were helping Pakistan build

two submarines at the Karachi seaport.

No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Police chief Shah says police have not determined the motive behind the

attack. He says it could be the work of outlawed Islamic groups, which

are angered at Pakistan's support to the U-S led war against terrorism.

//SHAH ACTUALITY//

This could be a sabotage activity to convey a message to the foreigners

that Karachi peace is disturbed. Then there are other motives. (It) could be

somebody belonging to the proscribed (religious) organizations.

//END ACTUALITY//

The attack comes at a time when authorities in Karachi have been

struggling to stem political and religious violence that has hit the

country's commercial center in recent days.

Wednesday's bombing is the second in Pakistan this year that targeted

foreign nationals. In March, a grenade attack on an international Protestant

church in Islamabad killed five people. The wife and daughter of an American

diplomat were among the victims. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/WD