President Zardari's security chief among four killed in Karachi blast

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari’s chief security officer, Bilal Sheikh and three others (Sheikh’s driver, fruit vendor and a policeman) were killed in a suicide blast targeting his double cabin vehicle near the Binoria Town Mosque in the Gurumandir area of the city on Wednesday.

At least 12 people including seven policemen were also injured in the blast. Four of the injured are said to be in critical condition.

SSP CID Raja Umar Khattab said the blast was a suicide attack. Khitab further said that the attacker had followed Sheikh's vehicle and detonated his explosive vest when the car stopped near a street side fruit vendor. According to reports, Sheikh was getting off his vehicle when the blast took place.

According to the bomb disposal squad, the bomb was packed with ball bearings and contained 6 kilograms of explosives.

The president has condemned the killing of Sheikh and three other individuals.

Aseefa Bhutto Zardari tweeted from her twitter account @AseefaBZ: "RIP Bilal Sheikh Chief Security officer of Bilawal House. He worked personally with my father and siblings to ensure our safety."

The blast was also condemned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and MQM chief Altaf Hussain who offered his condolences to President Zardari during a telephone call.

The PPP has announced to observe a day of mourning across Sindh on Thursday. Businesses and public transport will remain open throughout the province.

It may be recalled that Sheikh had been attacked in May 2011 in the Gulbahar area of Karachi. Sheikh had escaped unhurt in the attack; however two of his bodyguards were injured. The slain PPP leader had also told the media in the same year that he had been receiving life threats.