Terrorists storm Jinnah Airport, 19 killed  

KARACHI: Terror looms over Karachi after several terrorists stormed Jinnah Terminal killing 19  people and injuring 25 others on Sunday night, ARY News reports.

At least two members of the Airport Security Force were injured in fresh incident of firing at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.

In recent reports of firing in the airport two security personnel were injured named as Shahab and Aqil.  There were reports of presence of the terrorists at the wide body hanger of the airport.

According to earlier reports, three blasts took place in the Jinnah Airport. The sources also reported intense firing at the airport. It was being said that two to three terrorists were still hiding at the Old Terminal of the airport.

How it started:

Masked terrorists entered the airport after attacking a Fokker jet parked at old terminal – No.1 by hand grenades.

The gunmen opened indiscriminate firing due to which three Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), three staff members of the Civil Aviation, a Rangers man and nine personnel of the Airport Security Force (ASF) were killed.

Commandos of the Pakistan Army were dispatched at the Jinnah Airport whereas Rangers surrounded the area. A suspected person was also arrested by the Police. Ten terrorists were killed in the operation.

Large number of machine guns, petrol bombs and rocket launchers were recovered from the gunmen.

On the other hand, security has been tightened in all the airports of the country.

Flight Operations suspended:

Operational flights were suspended after the terrorist attack. The airport will be re-opened after it is declared cleared by the security forces.

Political leaders condemn attack:

Chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain condemned the attack on Jinnah Airport and demanded the federal government to take action against the terrorists.

Speaking to ARY News, Altaf Hussain said that it is utmost necessary to maintain the writ of the state. He also said that a strategy should be made against the terrorists.

Senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Syed Owais Muzffar met the stranded passengers at the Karachi Airports. Thousands of passengers were stuck due to the attack at the airport including MQM leader Farooq Sattar.

Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, said that he has not been contacted by the federal government regarding the attack.

While speaking at the Karachi Airport, Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that the armed terrorists were well organized and their objective was to destroy the Jinnah Airport.

Chairman of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri also condemned the terrorist attack.