At least 18 people were injured after a vehicle rammed into a Muharram gathering in Karachi on Sunday night, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said, as the provincial government ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Incident Details
A CCTV footage shows a Suzuki pick-up ramming into a tent set up by Shia Muslims for Muharram. The incident occurred outside Masjid-o-Imam Bargah Baqiyatullah, located on Karachi's Saba Avenue in Phase VI of the Defence Housing Authority.
Speaking to Arab News, a police official said all three persons inside the vehicle were under the influence of alcohol. However, Arab News was unable to independently verify this claim.
Casualties and Response
Wahab visited the mosque and the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) on Sunday night to meet the injured and their families. “In the unfortunate incident, I can so far confirm that there are 18 injured people including 3 people who were in the car,” Wahab said. “There are no casualties.”
The Karachi mayor said two of the injured persons are critically wounded and being attended to, while the condition of others is stable. “Inquiry is ongoing, and details will be shared once the inquiry is complete,” Wahab added.
Context of Muharram Observances
Shia Muslims throughout Pakistan organize processions and gatherings in Muharram every year to mourn Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Militants in the past have targeted Shia Muslims in Pakistan during Muharram, forcing authorities to take stringent security measures, including strict security checks, increased deployment of law enforcement personnel, and suspension of cellular services.
