Mcb777 BetPakistan Stock Exchange attack – At least nine dead as terrorists open fire and hurl grenades in Karachi building | The Sun - Mcb777 Cricket

HEAVILY armed terrorists attempted to storm the Pakistan stock exchange leaving at least nine people dead.

Four attackers pulled up outside in a car before opening fire and hurling grenades during the assault in Karachi.

Pakistani security officials inspect the scene of an attack by banned militants outfit Baloch Liberation ArmyCredit: EPA

Crowds gather round a car outside the stock exchangeCredit: Reuters

Paramilitary soldiers arrive at the site of an attack at the Pakistan Stock Exchange in KarachiCredit: Reuters

A security forces officer tentatively holds a grenade Credit: EPA

Video shared online shows blood on the floor and a number of dead bodies outside.

Large amounts of gunfire can be heard ringing out over the city in the area known as Pakistan's Wall Street.

Witnesses have claimed the gunmen were dressed as a police officers when they launched the attack.

Reportedly a police officer and security guard stationed outside the building were the first to come under fire as the armed group begun the assault.

At least four security guards and one police officer were killed in the attack - with unconfirmed reports of further fatalities.

Pakistani police have said all four terrorists have also been killed.

Witnesses inside the building said brokers huddled for safety in their offices as the fighting raged outside.

Around 1,000 people were inside a the time, significantly less than normal due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The attack has been claimed by a Pakistani separatist militia group.

Pictures of the aftermath show dead terrorists with assault rifles laying near their bodies, and security forces removing unused grenades.

Security forces at the stock exchangeCredit: EPA

Police forces sealed off the area and managed to evacuate those people working inside via the back door.

Cops have said the assault was conducted with "sophisticated weapons" and the group had with them a bag of explosives.

Counter terrorism officials said the fighters were carrying "significant quantities" of ammo and grenades.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has offered his condolences over the attack and hailed security forces.

He said the nation would be proud of the guards and police who managed to stop the terrorists entering the stock exchange and causing more carnage.

Karachi deputy inspector general Sharjeel Kharal said: "It was a terrorist attack, there's no doubt about it."

Pakistani security officials inspect weapons and ammunition recovered at the scene of the attack Credit: EPA

Ambulances lined up outside the Pakistan stock exchangeCredit: EPA

Forensics officers on the scene examing the terrorists' carCredit: Reuters

Security forces stand guard by the gunmen's car outside the stock exchangeCredit: AFP or licensors

AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, magazines and other explosive material have been seized from the attackers.

Police sources have reportedly said the group were prepared for a "long siege".

"All militants involved in the Pakistan Stock Exchange attack have been killed," a police statement said.

Stock exchange officials said it did not cease trading during the attack.

Abid Ali Habib, director of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, said: "There were four attackers who came from the parking lot, they threw a grenade at the main entrance of the KSE and then started firing indiscriminately

"The attackers were wearing uniform that looked like police uniforms, all four have been killed and the situation is currently under control.."

Police are treating the assault as a terrorist attackCredit: EPA

Policemen secure an area around a body outside the Pakistan Stock ExchangeCredit: AFP or licensors

Police collect evidence next to the bodies of alleged gunmen outside the Pakistan Stock ExchangeCredit: Reuters

Reportedly the Balochistan Liberation Army - which is listed as a terrorist organisation by Britain, the US and Pakistan - have claimed responsibility the attack.

The group - based in Afghanistan - are demanding autonomy for the region of Balochistan in south west Pakistan.

Since 2004 it has been responsible for a number of attacks in Pakistan, and has been accused by human rights activists of carrying out ethnic cleansing.

Sindh province governor Imran Ismail wrote on Twitter: "Strongly condemn the attack on PSX aimed at tarnishing our relentless war on terror.

"Have instructed the IG & security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are caught alive & their handlers are accorded exemplary punishments.

"We shall protect Sindh at all costs."

He added an investigation has been launched as this was an attack of the "economy of the country".

Police with riot shields guard the scene of the terror attackCredit: AFP or licensors

Security forces direct people outside the walls of the compoundCredit: AFP or licensors

At least nine people - including the gunmen - were killed in the attackCredit: Reuters

Stock exchange official Faruh Khan said: "They were stopped at the gate by Rangers and police officials who responded effectively and brought the situation under control.

"However, this was a very serious and unfortunate attack."

He said thankfully many people who usually work in the stock exchange were not there due to the coronavirus pandemic.