KARACHI: Four terrorists who attempted to storm Karachi/Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) this morning (a little before 10am) in a Silver 1300cc Toyota Corolla car (leased from a bank) failed to enter the bourse. All four were killed by the security personnel. Balochistan Liberation Army* (BLA) has claimed the responsibility.
According to details when terrorists were stopped by the security guards they hurled a hand grenade and opened fire with automatic rifles. As a result five people (including one Sub-Inspector of Police) lost their lives and several others got injured.
The episode ended within eight minutes. The security forces cordoned off the area and bomb disposal squad searched the building for any possible planted explosives. Dead bodies and injured were transported to nearby medical facilities.
There is no report of the car’s theft. It transpired that the registration No. BAP-829 was fake. Investigators working on the Engine Number found out that the vehicle was purchased from a showroom a week ago. A sizable cache of Arms and Ammunition was also recovered from the vehicle that was taken to Kharadar Police Station.
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No identity papers had been recovered from the terrorists, hence their fingerprints had been acquired and sent to NADRA to figure out their identities.
The fact that the terrorists, besides a huge quantity of arms and ammunition, were also carrying dry food with them insinuates that they planned for a long siege. In a footage captured by means of a mobile camera one can see the armed terrorists shouldering backpacks.
It is pertinent to mention here that normally some 8000 people work/operate in PSX. But due to COVID-19, most of the people are working from their homes. During the attack those inside the building locked themselves in their offices but the trade continued without any disruption.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, condemning the terrorist attack on PSX, said the whole nation was proud of the jawans who bravely fought militants off to avert massive casualties. Imran Khan also sympathized with the family members of the security personnel who lost their lives today and prayed for the early recovery of those who got injured injured.
President Dr. Arif Alvi condemning the terrorist attack maintained that Pakistan was determined to root-out terrorism from its soil and terrorists will never succeed in their nefarious designs. He paid a rich tribute to security personnel, who foiled the terrorists’ bid by putting their own lives in danger. He said the role of security forces in overcoming terrorism and eradicating it was worth appreciation.
COAS paid glowing tributes to security guards of PSX, who sacrificed their lives as first responders vigilantly checking terrorist’s entry to PSX foiling a major terrorist incident. Appreciating LEAs for their operational readiness, COAS lauded prompt, effective and integrated response of Pak Rangers & Sindh Police, eliminating terrorists in shortest possible time. “With support of our resilient nation, we will foil all efforts of enemies aimed at destabilizing hard earned peace achieved through sacrifices of our martyrs,” COAS stated. 
SAPM on Information and Broadcasting Asim Saleem Bajwa held that it was encouraging to see first responder, the police to take on terrorists so bravely and professionally: “It gives us confidence we have built capacity to beat back the menace effectively. Bravo Pakistanis-love our resilience, prayers for martyred/injured.”
DG Sindh Rangers Major General Omar Ahmed Bukhari addressing a Presser here today stated that Indian RAW was involved in the attack which was timely foiled. The attack was claimed by the banned outfit BLA on various social media platforms however investigations, which were underway, would reveal the facts further.
Chairman PPP-P Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held: “The cowardly attack on Karachi Stock Exchange was thwarted by the brave & timely action by Sindh Police. All Pakistanis are grateful to Sindh police for not only saving so many live but successfully defending the nerve centre of Pakistan’s economy.”
Governor Sindh Imran Ismail took to the Twitter to state: “Strongly condemn the attack on PSX aimed at tarnishing our relentless war on terror. Have instructed the IG & security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are caught alive & their handlers are accorded exemplary punishments. We shall protect Sindh at all costs.”
https://twitter.com/i/status/1277486481217654791
China condemning the terrorist attack on PSX expressed its firm support to Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and upholding national security and stability. Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated:“We firmly oppose any form of terrorism and firmly support Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and upholding national security and stability…We condemn all forms of terrorist attacks and we also mourn the victims of this incident.”
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* BLA terrorists attempted to storm Chinese Consulate General (situated near Karachi’s Clifton Beach) in 2018. In 2019 BLA claimed responsibility of an attack on a five-star hotel in (Balochistan’s) Gawadar Port.
