Pakistan: 10 injured as bomb expodes near MQM office

Islamabad: Ten persons were injured when a bomb went off near a campaign office of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi on Thursday, the latest in a string of attacks by the Taliban targeting liberal political parties ahead of the May 11, 2013 polls. The bomb went off tonight near the MQM office at Burns Road, a neighbourhood in Karachi known for its eateries.

The blast also hit a mosque and nearby shops. Police officials said the bomb was packed with ball bearings and triggered by remote control. The wounded were taken to a nearby hospital. Officials said one of the injured was in a serious condition. Several MQM workers were among the injured. Security forces cordoned off the area after the blast, which caused panic among local residents.

The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack. Taliban spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan called media outlets and said his group had carried out the attack on the MQM. The Pakistani Taliban have vowed to target secular parties like the Pakistan People s Party, Awami National Party and MQM ahead of the polls. The group has claimed responsibility for a string of bombings in Karachi that killed nearly 20 people, including ANP and MQM workers.