Suicide bomber kills 30 on Shia procession in Karachi

A suicide bomb targeting a Shi'ite Muslim procession in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi has killed at least 30 people and wounded 60 others.

The suicide bomber detonated his explosives on a main road in Karachi at the start of Monday's religious procession marking Ashura, the 10th day of the Muslim holy month of Muhar-ram. Police said unknown assailants also exchanged fire with security forces after the blast. Many of the wounded are in critical condition and the death toll is likely to rise.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the blast and ordered an immediate inquiry. The local government has urged residents to remain calm and not react to the provocation.

Men gather at the site of a suicide bomb attack on a procession  of Shi'ite Muslims commemorating Ashura in Karachi December 28,  2009. A suicide bomber blew up a Shi'ite Muslim procession in  Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi on Monday, killing at least  30 people, in an attack that underscored multiple security  challenges facing the U.S. ally. REUTERS/Athar Hussain