Blast and gunfire prompt security response in Karachi

An explosion and gunfire were reported Saturday in Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial capital, near a gate leading to offices used by the Rangers paramilitary force. The incident drew a rapid security response in an area that Pakistani media said sits near several universities and the country’s meteorological department.

Al Jazeera, citing sources, reported that the blast occurred near the Rangers gate and that clashes were under way. Reuters was also credited in the report on the incident.

Dawn news reported that special units, including the Rapid Response Force and police commandos, were sent to the scene. The outlet also reported that police and paramilitary personnel cordoned off the area.

The Rangers are a paramilitary force with a visible security role in Karachi. The city is Pakistan’s main commercial hub, so violence there can quickly disrupt traffic, campuses and government-linked offices.

Pakistani media did not immediately provide further confirmed details in the accounts cited, including the cause of the blast or the scope of the gunfire. Al Jazeera described the situation as a breaking story and said more information was expected.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.