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Bomb attack on Muharram procession kills 20 in Pakistan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Dec 28, IRNA -- At least 20 people were killed in a bomb attack on Muharram procession in the Pakistani city of Karachi on Monday, a provincial minister said.

Dr Sagheer Ahmed, Health Minister in Sindh Province of which Karachi is the capital confirmed that 20 people were killed in the attack. He said that upto 30 other people were injured.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has also appealed to the masses to remain peaceful after a bomb blast targeted Muharram procession in the port city of Karachi on Monday.

The procession of Yaum-e-Ashur was heading to its destination when it came under attack on M.A Jinnah road.

Witnesses said that it may be a suicide attack as some participants saw a man blew himself up when the mourners were heading to the destination. The procession was taken out from Nishtar Park in the morning and after passing through various routes was to be terminated at Imambargah Husanian Iranian.

Prime Minister Gilani strongly condemned the blast at main procession and ordered immediate inquiry and submission of report. He also ordered for provision of immediate best medical facilities to the injured. He also appealed to the masses to remain peaceful.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

It is the third bomb blast in Karachi in three days. Scores of people were injured in the two blasts on Saturday and Sunday, according to the police.

Hospital authorities appealed for blood as hospitals run short of blood. Witnesses said that a large number of people rushed to hospitals to donate blood.

The provincial government declared emergency in hospitals.

Karachi Mayor Mustafa Kamal asked the citizens to remain peaceful and do not show any reaction. He expressed shock over attacks on property and vehicles after the blast. He said that the blast was aimed at destroying peace of the city.

The organizers decided to continue procession despite the attack and they also appealed to the people to be calm.

However, some angry people attacked vehicles and torched some of them, witnesses said.

The procession was taken out under tight security and a large number of policemen and paramilitary soldiers were guarding the procession.

**1432

End News / IRNA / News Code 864874