Karachi (AsiaNews/Agencies) At least five people, including a US diplomat, have been killed and more than 30 injured in a car bomb attack near the US consulate in Karachi, in southern Pakistan.
US President George W. Bush himself confirmed that a US diplomat was among the dead in an announcement made during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister two days ahead of his visit to Pakistan.
"Terrorists and killers are not going to prevent me from going to Pakistan," Mr Bush told reporters.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack but according to Salahuddin Haider, a spokesman for the Sindh government, "it coincided with the visit of Bush".
According to Karachi Police Chief Javed Akbar, there were two blastsa powerful one preceded by a smaller one in the parking lot of the Marriott hotel next to the US consulate. Five people were killed but the final toll could go higher. "It was a disaster," he said.
Bush is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday to talk with Pakistani President, General Pervez Musharraf, about the fight against terrorism, military cooperation and nuclear issues.
After the US and India sealed a new nuclear deal, international analysts expect Bush to be asked to treat Pakistan on par with India in the nuclear field.
Pakistani Energy Ministry spokesperson Tasnin Aslam confirmed this view saying that "we hope to get the same kind of cooperation in the future".