3 min readUpdated: Jun 27, 2026 11:35 PM IST

Pakistan’s financial hub of Karachi was rocked by an explosion followed by heavy gunfire on Saturday, prompting a major security response near the city’s University Road, where several universities and the offices of the Pakistan Rangers are located. Armed security personnel cordoned off roads around the Mosamiat Chowrangi area as police, Rangers, rescue teams and bomb disposal units rushed to the scene.

AFP journalists at the site reported hearing sustained gunfire after the explosion, while Reuters, citing Pakistani broadcasters ARY News and Geo News, said the blast occurred near the Rangers’ offices. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion or whether it was a militant attack, though the Edhi Foundation said at least two people were injured and taken to the hospital.

Videos circulating on social media showed heavy police deployment and intermittent gunfire, while unverified claims of responsibility also surfaced online. Officials have urged caution as investigations continue.

Karachi attack: What we know so far

  • An explosion followed by heavy gunfire was reported near University Road in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area.
  • AFP journalists heard sustained gunfire after the blast as security forces sealed off the area around Mosamiat Chowrangi.
  • The blast occurred near the Pakistan Rangers’ offices, according to ARY News.
  • Police, Rangers, rescue teams and bomb disposal units rushed to the scene and cordoned off surrounding roads.
  • Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah ordered an immediate investigation and sought a detailed report from senior police officials.
  • The chief minister directed police to “immediately reach the scene, determine the nature of the incident, and take all necessary measures.”
  • Geo News reported intermittent gunfire continued after the explosion as additional security personnel were deployed.
  • No official confirmation of the cause of the blast or the number of casualties has been issued.
  • No militant group has officially claimed responsibility. Social media posts attributing the attack to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar remain unverified.
  • Authorities are investigating whether the Rangers facility or another nearby location was the intended target.
  • Karachi has witnessed several militant attacks in recent years involving groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), though officials have not linked Saturday’s incident to any organisation.

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