At least 30 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on religious procession of Shiite Muslims in the south Pakistani city of Karachi on Monday, a senior official said.

 

Secretary of Sindh Province Hashim Raza Zaidi confirmed that 30people were killed in the attack. Officials said that up to 50 people were injured in the deadly attack.

Angry mob attacked government buildings, markets, banks and torched vehicles in the Karachi after the deadly suicide attack on the Shia mourning march, police said.

A deliberate attempt seems to be afoot by the extremists to turn the fight against militants into a sectarian clash and make the people fight against one another, he said.

"These are challenging times and we have to guard against such attempts by using force against extremists and militants on the one hand and exhibiting wisdom and patience on the other," said the president.

Witnesses said that firing was reported from different areas of Karachi after the attack and the police also used tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.

Television pictures showed a big cloud of smoke over the scene and television reporters said angry worshippers attacked media vehicles and police mobiles.

The Shia march was taken out of Nishtar Park and was on way to head to the final destination. The organizers decided to continue procession despite the blast. They appealed to the mourners to be peaceful.