By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA): At least nine people were killed as gunmen attacked the Pakistani stock exchange building in the southern port city of Karachi on Monday, police said.

The building is in a high-security zone and also houses the head offices of many private banks.

The dead include four attackers, four Pakistan Stock Exchange security guards and a policeman, Muqaddas Haider, a city police chief, told reporters. At least seven people are also injured.

In a separate statement, Ghulam Nabi Memon, another top police official, said the heavily-armed attackers barged into the building through the parking lot, adding that a “clearance operation” was under way.

Abid Ali Habib, director of the stock exchange, said the gunmen stormed the building and resorted to indiscriminate firing on the first floor.

They also hurled a hang grenade, and the firing was retaliated by security guards, he said.

[Photo: Police officers inspect the contents carried by terrorists which included arms and food at the Pakistani stock exchange building in Karachi, Pakistan on June 29, 2020. ( Photographer: Sabir Mazhar/ Anadolu Agency)]

Rizwan Ahmend, a police officer at the scene, said food supplies were found on the bodies of the gunmen, indicating they may have planned a long siege.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police and Rangers officials arrived at the scene soon after the attack and killed all four attackers, Sindh Rangers said.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail tweeted: “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.”

[[Photo: Police officers inspect the site after gunmen attacked the Pakistani stock exchange building in Karachi, Pakistan on June 29, 2020. Photographer: Sabir Mazhar/AA]