According to eyewitness accounts six gunmen stopped a bus carrying the members of Ismaili community and  sprayed it with bullets from both sides, injuring many passengers on the spot. After the attack had taken place, Rangers personnel and police reached the scene, as well as ambulances to shift the injured to hospitals.

The pamphlets of the Islamic State (IS) militant group — Daesh in Urdu — were also found at the crime scene.

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Draft of adjournment motion submitted in the NA over Karachi incident

  RAW hand found behind Karachi attack

The investigation authorities have found clues hinting at involvement of Indian spy agency Research Analysis Wing (RAW) in the Karachi bus attack that claimed 47 lives.

Read details: Proofs of RAW hand in Karachi bus attack found: sources

In the current development, the security forces have discovered clues of RAW hand in Karachi attack. Military Sources told that the security institutions were also investigating the source of funding for terrorists.

Pakistan suffers another blow

The country suffered another major blow in the wake of Karachi bus attack. Zimbabwe cricket team has refused to tour Pakistan for security reasons. The Zimbabwean Foreign Ministry did not provide clearance to its national cricket team to tour Pakistan, saying such a visit at this juncture could jeopardize players’ lives.

Reward announced for information leading to attackers

The provincial and federal governments have announced Rs 20 million reward for any a person providing an information leading to clues of attackers of Ismaili community bus that claimed over 45 lives.

Candle light vigil in Gilgit for solidarity with Ismailis

‘No Islamic State exists in Pakistan’

The Foreign Office on Thursday denied existence of global terror outfit Daeesh, also known as Islamic State, in Pakistan The FO Spokesperson Qazi Khalil Ullah said security forces of Pakistan were ready to meet any threat regarding the terror outfit.

Al-Azhar Garden details and background

The beautifully built housing complex located the outskirts of Karachi, that houses Ismaili community members, has won an architectural award and has the capacity to house an estimated 5,000 people. Also read: Al-Azhar Garden won prestigious architecture award in 2011-2012

Pictures of some of the victims who perished in yesterday’s bus attack Karachi Bus Attack death toll rises to 47

The death toll in bus attack at Safoora Chowk soared to 47 today as two more injured of the terrorist attack succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Nine injured of the bus attack have been admitted at Aga Khan and Memon Hospitals of the city.

PTI chief Imran Khan postpones visit to Karachi

Imran Khan was scheduled to reach Karachi today but he cancelled his visit, due to bad weather conditions. The PTI chief was to condole with the victims of yesterday’s bus attack. However, his plane could not fly on account of bad weather and he had to return from the Benazir International Airport.

Foreign Secretary blames RAW for terroist activities in Pakistan

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said that Indian Intelligence RAW was behind terrorist activities in Pakistan. Also read: RAW behind terrorist activities in Pakistan: Foreign Secretary Funeral prayers offered for the victims

Funeral prayers for the deceased were offered at 09:30 am whilst the burial is currently taking place. Also read: Karachi bus attack victims being laid to rest

Another terror victim dies in hospital

Another victim of Safoora Chowrangi bus attack succumbed to her injuries in hospital today. Nafeesa, who had suffered critical injuries in the terrorist attack in Karachi on Wednesday, died in hospital today. The death toll in Karachi bus attack has now reached to 46.

Strike in Hyderabad, other areas of Sindh

The victims of Karachi bus attack also being mourned in Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Sukkur, Badin, Sanghar, Daur, Naushehro Feroz and other cities and towns of Sindh. The markets have been closed on the day of mourning and scarce vehicular traffic seen at roads in Hyderabad and other towns of Sindh. Funeral prayers of bus attack victims offered

The funeral prayers of 43 persons left dead in a terrorist attack in Karachi, observed at Al-Azhar Garden here at 9:30am today.

The terrorists in a deadly attack on a bus of Ismaili community near Safoora Chowk of Karachi on Wednesday killed 43 persons. The funeral prayers were offered at Al-Azhar Garden under stringent security measures. The relatives of the deceased and notables of Ismaili community attended the funeral prayers. The members of Ismaili community were advised at various Jamaatkhana’s to avoid attending the funeral prayers due to security concerns. The deceased of the terrorist attack will be laid to rest at Sakhi Hassan’s Al-Noor Society Ismaili Graveyard.

Country to mourn the tragic Karachi Bus attack on Thursday

The National flag will be flown at half-mast as Pakistan plunges into deep mourning over the brazen daylight attack which killed 43 innocent citizens. Chairman Karachi Traders Association and Business Action Committee have separately announced the closure of shops in Karachi to mourn the tragic bus accident. University of Karachi (UoK) and Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology (FUUAST) have announced to delay all the practical/non-practical examination scheduled for Thursday (today). The practical exams for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) scheduled for today have also been postponed, the new schedule will be announced later. Bishop Sadiq Daniel has announced that all missionary schools and institutions in Karachi will remain closed.

Rangers action in Karachi

Rangers personnel have conducted raids in different areas of the city and apprehended 70 suspects. The targeted raids were carried out in several areas including Sohrab Goth, settlements near Memon Hospital, Macharr, Colony, Janjaal Goth and Kunwari Colony. The suspects have been shifted to undisclosed location for interrogation.

PM visits residence of Aga Khan foundation’s president

PM Sharif visited the residence of Sultan Allana, President of Aga Khan Foundation, during his visit to Karachi and expressed condolence over loss of lives in the bus attack today. He also offered dua for the departed souls. Mr. Sharif vowed that culprits of the attack will be brought to book soon.

New terror method employed in Karachi?

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said he was told that terrorists were employing new methods and picking place to attack their targets where CCTV cameras are not installed. He directed law enforcement agencies to enhance coordination with each other to maintain peace. “I expect my next Karachi visit to take place without in the wake of any untoward incident,” he added. He said terrorists used new weapons in killing of Sabeen Mahmud and Prof. Waheedur Rehman in Karachi.

PM annoyed over police performance

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed annoyance dissatisfaction over police performance in Karachi following attack on Ismaili community bus. The prime minister directed to apprehend the culprits involved the killing of bus passengers at the earliest. Details here: PM orders arrest of Karachi bus attackers

Amnesty International denounces terrorist strike

“The killing of more than 40 Ismaili Shi’a Muslims in Karachi marks a new low in a campaign of sectarian violence that has left Pakistan’s religious minorities fearing for their lives while extremists in the country operate with impunity”, said Amnesty International. In a statement, AI said the attack on a bus carrying the Ismailis, claimed by the Jundullah group, highlights both the ever-present threat of violence and the authorities’ persistent failure to prosecute the perpetrators and to protect religious minorities.

“We deplore this unprovoked assault and the tragic loss of life,” said David Griffiths, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Asia Pacific. “While attacks on the Ismailis are rare, attacks by the Jundullah group are not.

The extremists have claimed responsibility for many killings, including a 2013 attack on a church in Peshawar in which more than 80 Christians were killed. None of these attacks have been investigated or prosecuted in a thorough and transparent manner,” added the statement.

Islamic State claims deadly attack

The Islamic State group on Wednesday claimed responsibility for an attack by gunmen on a bus that killed at least 43 Ismaili community members in Karachi. Read details here: IS claims Karachi attack “Thanks be to Allah, 43 apostates were killed and around 30 were wounded in an attack carried out by Islamic State soldiers on a bus transporting Shiite Ismaili infidels in the city of Karachi,” the extremist group said in a statement posted on jihadist Twitter accounts.

PM arrives in Karachi

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has landed in Karachi to preside over law and order meeting at Governor House.

Countrywide day of mourning announced

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced day of mourning in the country tomorrow over Karachi bus attack. The national flag would fly at half mast.

Two suspects arrested

Intelligence agencies, following the attack on Ismaili community bus, nabbed two persons from a house located closed to the site of incident on suspicion of their possible link with the brutal attack. The suspects were residing in a house closed to site of attack. During the investigation, the suspects are discovered to be non-residents of Sindh. Senate resolution The Senate today passed a unanimous resolution strongly condemning the Karachi bus attack.  The resolution moved by Karim Ahmad Khawaja demanded the government to take stern action against the culprits and bring them to justice at the earliest.

HRCP demands action against terrorists

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said on Wednesday that the barbaric killing of members of the Ismaili community in a bus attack in Karachi is highly condemnable, but it deserves more than mere words of censure and sympathy from the authorities, the political parties and the civil society.

“It should be clear to everyone today that not only will the country not know peace until the extremists, whichever group of killers they belong to, are taken on and brought to justice, but also that Pakistan and extremism simply cannot co-exist.” The HRCP said Taliban and other band of terrorists continue to cause mayhem and bloodletting across Pakistan. It is imperative that those tasked with securing peoples’ lives pursue their task as single-mindedly. Businesses to remain closed in Karachi tomorrow Karachi Tajir Ittehad announced that all business activities will remain closed in Karachi on Thursday to mourn the loss of lives in terrorists ambush on Ismaili community bus, claiming at least 43 lives. Zardari contacts Prince Karim Aga Khan Co-chairperson PPP Asif Ali Zardari today phoned up the Prince Karim Aga Khan and expressed his grief over Karachi bus attack wherein over three dozen Ismaili community members lost their lives. He said Sindh Government will go after the criminals and not spare them at any cost. Army Chief condolence Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has expressed condolence with Prince Karim Aga Khan- the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims – over loss of precious lives in the terrorists’ attack in Karachi. He vowed that the culprits of the attack will be brought to book. Read more: COAS Sharif calls Prince Agha Khan; extends condolences Meeting on Karachi law and order postponed A meeting which was scheduled to take place at Chief Minister House on Karachi security situation has been postponed. The meeting will now be held on Governor House with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the chair. Rangers helpline The spokesperson of Sindh Rangers issued a statement, urging citizens to contact their helpline 1101 if they have any information regarding perpetrators of Karachi bus attack. The identity of the informer will be kept secret, added the spokesperson. Investigation team reaches crime spot The probe body constituted by the provincial government has reached the spot at Safoora Chowrangi, where terrorists’ ambushed the Ismaili community bus, to collect evidences. CM denies reports of IG Sindh removal Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has denied media reports of removal of Inspector General Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali from his position over terrorist attack on Ismaili community bus that claimed at least 43 lives. According to ARY News correspondent, the clarification in this regard has also been issued by the spokesperson of the CM House.  Read more: PM taken to task on social media for lunch gathering amid Karachi terror attack Prince Aga Karim Khan condemns Karachi attack His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan- the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims has condemned the attack on community bus carrying members for work place in Karachi, that left 43 people dead. According to Aga Khan development Network website akdn.org , Prince Aga Khan has expressed shock and sadness at attack of bus carrying members of the Ismaili community in Safoora Chowrangi Karachi. “This attack represents a senseless act of violence against a peaceful community. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families of those killed and wounded in the attack,” the Aga Khan said. Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has condemned the barbaric terrorists’ attack. He said a committee has been formed which will furnish its report within three days. Army Chief reaches Karachi Army Chief General Raheel Sharif accompanied by Director General ISI Lt. Gen. Rizwan Akhtar have reached in Karachi after terrorist attack on a bus of Ismaili community in the city which claimed the lives of 43 people. The Army Chief during his stay in the port city will be briefed by the Corps Commander Karachi and DG Rangers about the situation in the city. General Raheel Sharif is also expected to visit the injured of the terrorist attack at Aga Khan Hospital of the city. The Army Chief will also attend a briefing on the law and order in Karachi which will be chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Altaf demands resignation of Sindh Chief Minister Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Altaf Hussain has demanded the resignation of the chief minister of Sindh while talking to ARY News on Wednesday. MQM chief while responding a question said that Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah if feels pity for the province he should tender his resignation. Sindh government announces day of mourning The government of Sindh has announced a day of mourning on Thursday following an attack on a bus of Ismaili community in Karachi today. Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has also announced mourning tomorrow. MQM Chief Altaf Hussain has appealed all businesses and public transportation be suspended on the day. Jundullah claims responsibility Ahmed Marwat, a spokesman for outlawed Jundullah, which is a splinter group of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), talking to Reuters claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the pamphlets found at the crime scene tell a complete different story. Islamic State also known as Daesh has stated that the attack was carried out against the “Rawafidh”, (‘deviant’ in English), by the group in retaliation to the operations in Iraq, Yemen, Syria Lal Masjid and “fake encounters” in the country by law enforcement . They have also vowed to carry out more such attacks in the country. Daesh pamphlets recovered from crime scene The armed assailants had thrown pamphlets addressed by an organization going by the name of ‘Daesh Khurasan’. Daesh is the Arabic acronym for Islamic State, the worldwide outlawed and banned outfit that has butchered scores of Muslims and non-Muslims in Iraq and Syria. Modi expresses grief on shooting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the shooting incident at Karachi’s Safoor Chowrangi. In his message on social media website Twitter, Modi tweeted that the incident is saddening and condemnable. He added that their thoughts are with the victims’ families. He also wished speedy recovery to the injured persons.

PM and other leaders denounce Karachi bus attack Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and leaders of different political parties have condemned the Karachi shooting in which at least 43 people were killed. Condemning the ghastly incident, the Prime Minister said,” The Ismaili community is extremely patriotic and has contributed a lot to Pakistan. They have played a very strong role in strengthening the country.” PM Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and has sought a report from Inspector General of Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali regarding the incident.

Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan denounced the attack and stated that the incident reflects the ineligibility of Sindh Government.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chairman Siraj-ul-Haq said that the government has failed to protect the lives and property of Karachiites.

Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri stated that the attackers are not human beings.

Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif said that the terrorists who target innocent people do not deserve any leniency.

CM Sindh speaks exclusively to ARY News

Speaking exclusively to ARY News, Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah expressed sorrow over the incident and expressed his condolences. He stated that he was in Islamabad but would return to Karachi in 2 hours and visit the site. He also said that the attack could be preplanned but categorically denied that any IS pamphlets were recovered. The Chief Minister had also stated that the injured would receive the best possible treatment available and be compensated by rs.200,000.

Earlier in the day, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah had taken notice of the action and contacted IG Sindh. Expressing anger over the lack of security measures in the city, he had suspended DSP and the SHO of the area.

Attackers used 9mm guns: IG Police Sindh

Sindh Police chief Ghulam Hyder Jamali while talking to ARY News said that six gunmen riding on three motorcycles were involved in the attack. They stopped the bus entered in the vehicle and opened indiscriminate fire over the people sitting in the bus, the Inspector General Police Sindh said.

He said that it was a terrorist attack, “We are fighting the war against terrorism.”

Citing hospital sources, the IG Sindh Jamali said that 43 people were killed and 13 injured in the terrorist attack. He further said that the attackers used 9mm guns in the attack.  

Among the dead, as many as 16 women are also said to be included in the figure of the dead. A total of 60 people were on board the bus. The injured have been shifted to various hospitals whereas 43 victims succumbed to their injuries. 9mm pistol and SMG shells were recovered from the crime scene. After the attack had taken place, emergency was imposed in private and government hospitals. Reportedly, the attack was carried out on a particular community.

According to eyewitness accounts six gunmen stopped the bus and  sprayed it with bullets from both sides, injuring many passengers on the spot. After the attack had taken place, Rangers personnel and police reached the scene, as well as ambulances to shift the injured to hospitals.

The bus that was targeted is operated by Al-Azhar garden-a residential complex of the Ismaili community.

The men had used more than three motorcycles as their means of transport and after carrying out the attack, had managed to escape from the crime scene successfully. Passengers included women as well as children. The number plate of the targeted bus was JB-0333.