- Title: PAKISTAN: Gunshots heard and wounded taken to hospital in Karachi airport attack
- Date: 9th June 2014
- Summary: KARACHI, PAKISTAN (JUNE 9, 2014) (REUTERS) (NIGHT SHOTS) SMOKE RISING FROM AIRPORT AREA / SOUND OF GUNSHOTS HEARD BODY OF POLICEMAN IN CIVIL DRESS LYING INSIDE ARMOURED CAR RESCUE WORKERS CARRYING BODY TO AMBULANCE INJURED PARAMILITARY SOLDIER INSIDE AMBULANCE AMBULANCE LEAVING SMOKE RISING CHIEF MINISTER AND INFORMATION MINISTER FOR SINDH PROVINCE, ARRIVING (SOUNDBITE) (
- Embargoed: 24th June 2014 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Pakistan
- Country: Pakistan
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA3EC0PUUR8XZ1QGW1N4KLWAP1T
- Story Text: Gunmen attacked one of Pakistan's biggest airports in Karachi on Sunday (June 8), killing at least five people, police said.
The attack on Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan's sprawling commercial hub of 18 million, took place as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government tries to engage Taliban militants in negotiations to end years of fighting.
"It is a cowardly act by terrorists," said Sharjeel Memon, Information Minister for Sindh Province.
"The old terminal of Karachi airport was attacked by militants," said a senior police official.
Officials said all flights had been diverted.
"All flights destined for Karachi have been diverted to other cities," said a civil aviation authority spokesman.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
"Over half a dozen armed men made towards the runway from the backside of the airport," said a private television channel, quoting a witness.
Peace talks between the government and the Pakistani Taliban - separate to but allied with the Afghan Taliban - have failed in recent months, dampening hopes of reaching a negotiated settlement with the insurgency, which continues attacks against government and security targets. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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