KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced that it will pay medical expenses for people who suffered severe injuries after a vehicle crashed into a tent of mourners outside an imambargah in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority.
The announcement came after a teenage girl died and more than a dozen others were injured in the incident during a Muharram majlis on Sunday night.
According to the Sindh Information Department, the provincial health department issued separate directives to Aga Khan Hospital and South City Hospital.
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The hospitals were instructed to provide treatment and submit bills and vouchers to the government for reimbursement.
Government promises full medical support
Provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho said injured women, children and other affected people would receive proper medical treatment.
She said the health department had directed hospitals to provide quality care without delay.
The minister added that all available medical facilities would be used to protect lives and support recovery.
According to official information, several injured patients remain under treatment at both hospitals.
Crash occurred during Muharram gathering
The incident took place at around 9:30pm on Sunday.
Police said a Suzuki pickup crossed security barriers outside Masjid-o-Imambargah Baqiatullah in DHA Phase VI.
The vehicle then entered the congregation area and crashed into the tent where mourners had gathered.
Emergency teams shifted injured people to hospitals for treatment.
Investigation transferred to CTD
Initial police statements suggested the driver lost control because of brake failure.
Later, South DIG Syed Asad Raza confirmed that the Counter-Terrorism Department had taken over the investigation.
Police registered a terrorism case against the driver on Monday.
Three companions travelling with him were also named in the first information report.
FIR alleges deliberate action
The complaint filed by the imambargah’s security head alleged the vehicle deliberately breached security barriers.
The FIR described the incident as a planned act carried out with criminal intent.
It claimed the vehicle was driven at high speed directly into seated mourners, including women and children.
The complaint further alleged the incident was intended to spread fear and referred to circulating video footage as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not announced final findings and investigations remain ongoing.
