During a significant rally in Karachi, thousands gathered to welcome back Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, who had returned from self-imposed exile. She was greeted with massive crowds celebrating her political comeback after nearly a decade away from the political arena. As the motorcade made its way through the city, it became the target of a coordinated suicide bombing. The attack occurred at 6:15 PM near Karsaz, an area filled with supporters aimed to display their loyalty and optimism for her return. Tragically, the blast resulted in the deaths of 139 individuals, while around 450 sustained injuries, marking one of the deadliest attacks targeting a political leader in Pakistan's history. The bomb was detonated by a suicide bomber, with the explosion being powerful enough to damage nearby vehicles and infrastructure, demonstrating the ruthless tactics employed by extremist groups in the region.

The bombing underscored the grave security concerns in Pakistan, particularly relating to the return of politicians who had been exiled due to threats from militant groups. Benazir Bhutto herself emerged unscathed from the attack, which in retrospect, fueled speculation about the ongoing strife and threats she would face in her political endeavors. The event garnered international attention and condemnation, emphasizing the volatile political climate in Pakistan and the challenges posed by extremism. Bhutto’s return was seen as a paving stone toward stabilizing Pakistan’s democracy, but the attack illustrated the violent opposition she faced, foreshadowing the tragedy that would eventually lead to her assassination just months later.