The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) was under attack on Monday after four terrorists laden with sophisticated weapons stormed into the building from the parking area.
Some eleven persons including two civilians, four security guards of PSX, and one Police Sub Inspector embraced martyrdom, while four terrorists have also been killed in the firing and hand grenade attacks.
As per reports, militants came out of their vehicle and launched a grenade attack AT 10:00 AM at the main gate of the building, and stormed into the building after firing indiscriminately. The Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) quickly sealed off the surrounding areas, whereas, the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Director PSX, Abid Ali Habib, said that the militants fired at guards and tried to enter the building but the guards returned fire and resisted them. As per reports, the militants entered the PSX through the parking area.
Four security guards of PSX, who were deployed at the main gate of the building embraced martyrdom while resisting the attackers.
Four people were injured in the grenade attack and firing, including a policeman, a security guard of the stock exchange, and two civilians who were rushed to a hospital for immediate medical treatment.
The list of security guards and policemen martyred during the attack includes a police sub-inspector Shahid Ali, Saeed Akram and Iftikhar. The injured include Khuda Yar, Ashiq, Waqas, Shahzad Ahmed, and Imtiaz Ali.
ALL ATTACKERS KILLED
As per Sindh Rangers, all terrorists have been killed, whereas the clearance operation in the PSX building is underway. Security sources said the terrorists were armed with sophisticated weapons and had explosives-laden jackets.
"The attackers had hand grenades with them. Two of them were killed at the gate, and two were killed further inside the building complex," said Faisal Edhi of Edhi Foundation, whose office is located opposite the PSX in Karachi's main commercial district.
“Four attackers have been killed, they had come in a silver Corolla car,” said Ghulam Nabi Memon, chief of police Karachi.
GOVERNOR, CM SINDH CONDEMNS ATTACK
Governor Sindh Imran Ismail condemned the attack on PSX, saying that the attack was aimed at tarnishing Pakistan's 'relentless war on terror'.
"Have instructed the IG and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are caught alive & their handlers are accorded exemplary punishments. We shall protect Sindh at all costs," he said.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah also condemned the attack on PSX.
In view of the pandemic situation, anti-national elements want to take undue advantage, Chief Minister Sindh said in a statement. The Chief Minister directed all law enforcement agencies to be more vigilant and has said that a full detailed inquiry should be made into the incident and a report should be submitted he said.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the terrorist attack on PSX, saying that the nation is proud of the LEAs who courageously took on the terrorists and foiled their bid.
Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif also praised the agencies for saving the nation from a 'bigger tragedy.'
"Strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Pakistan Stock Exchange. Swift & timely action by law enforcement agencies saved nation from a bigger tragedy. The attack, however, must alert us. Our condolences to bereaved families of martyrs & prayers for speedy recovery of the injured,' he tweeted.
TERRORISTS ATTACK PSX COMPOUND
Talking to media persons, PSX spokesperson said that no terrorist could enter PSX, as all were killed outside the premises.
The PSX confirmed that terrorists attacked the PSX compound today, whereas, the firing has been stopped and reinforcement is in place.
"There was an attack on the PSX compound earlier today. The situation is still unfolding and management, with the help of security forces, is managing the security and controlling the situation," Pakistan Stock Exchange in a statement.
"For now firing has stopped and reinforcement are in place," the exchange added.
Talking to local media, PSX Managing Director Farrukh Khan termed the attack as "serious and unfortunate". Khan informed that due to coronavirus measures few persons were in the compound.
TRADING ONGOING
The exchange delivered a mighty blow to terrorism when it’s trading remained stable despite a terror attack in its premises. The market remained stable against expectations during the attack and at one point the KSE-100 index even cleared 34,000 points.
"Failed attack at Pakistan Stock Exchange. Trading is smooth and continuing. PSX benchmark index one of the Best Performer in Asia today so far. This is Resilience of Pakistan," tweeted Mohammad Sohail, CEO Topline Securities.
BLA CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY
The India-linked Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed the responsibility of attacking the PSX building.
The organization has also issued the list of the terrorists involved in today's attack. Members included Tasleem Baloch, Shehzad Baloch, Salman Hammal and Siraj Kungur.