Foreign hand in Karachi blasts, aimed to fuel ethnic tensions: Investigation Team

[Naveed Yaseen]

Intelligence experts arrive from Islamabad to launch probe
By Salis bin Perwaiz
Officers investigating the July 7 blasts in Karachi have claimed the involvement of “a foreign intelligence agency” behind the incident.

The investigation team comprises DIG Crime Investigation Department (CID) Saud Ahmed Mirza, committee chairman SSP Mohammed Farooq Awan, SSP Mohammed Fayyaz Khan of CID and other officers. Sources said that the team raided various localities, including New Karachi, Mobina Town, Korangi and Gulshan-e-Iqbal late Monday night, and obtained some clues regarding the involvement of a particular group.

According to intelligence sources, the blasts were aimed at fanning ethnic hatred between two groups residing in the interface areas of the city.

All seven blasts occurred within a radius of 2.5 kilometers within the span of an hour. West zone, SITE and North Nazimabad towns were the most affected.

According to sources, the material used in these home-made devices was silver powder and ammonium nitrate, which only cause explosions. Three blasts were reported on the roadsides, while four occurred in a bus, a hi-roof and a taxi.

The car used by the criminals in Hasrat Mohani area was stolen from Gulberg a day ago and was used with a fake number plate. Regarding the motorcycle blast in Banaras, information was being gathered and some people have been rounded up.

Intelligence sources said that the team was investigating the blasts from two different angles - the involvement of militants or a certain foreign intelligence agency. Meanwhile, a team of intelligence experts have arrived in Karachi from Islamabad to investigate the incident and expose the elements responsible for this act.

Regarding the negligence of the officers concerned, the sources said that the Sindh chief minister has directed the Karachi police chief to send him the report to this effect within 48 hours so that action should be taken against them.

The Sindh government has also announced a Rs1 million reward for providing information about the criminals involved in the blasts.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=123103