At least eight people were killed in a bomb explosion at the Danish embassy in Islamabad on Monday and officials believed it was in reaction to the blasphemous cartoons published by some newspapers in Denmark. The massive blast also injured 27 people, damaged the mission in central Islamabad and nearly destroyed a nearby UN agency. A Danish citizen of Pakistani origin was among the dead, an official at the Danish Foreign Ministry said. Dozens of cars were wrecked by the force of the explosion, which gouged a huge crater out of the road. No individual or group claimed responsibility. Officials were divided whether a remote-controlled bomb was detonated or a suicide bomber carried out the attack. Islamabad's Additional Deputy Commissioner Rana Akbar Hayat said an explosive-laden car blew up near the Danish embassy. The explosion was so powerful that it rocked the windows panes of nearby houses. The mission's building remained safe but its boundary wall and gate were damaged. The nearby offices of the UN Development Program (UNDP) were also damaged. They were situated in the F-6 sector of Islamabad, which was included in the “red zone” where strict security measures remain in place all the time. Of the 80 employees of the UNDP, over 12 were wounded. The building was considerably damaged from inside. Advisor to the Prime Minister Rehman Malik said an investigation team has been formed. The preliminary report into the attack would be made public within 24 hours, he said. He agreed that the terrorist attack could be a reaction to the publication of blasphemous cartoons in the Danish newspapers. “It was because of the strict security measures that the terrorists cannot hit the Danish embassy directly,” he said. Malik said the threat of a terrorist attack was there and preventive measures had been taken. The Danish embassy knew about the threats and had downgraded its embassy in Pakistan and withdrew some of its personnel out of the country. It has been closed for an indefinite period. The Danish foreign minister is rushing to Pakistan to express anguish over the attack. Norway has also temporarily closed its embassy. Immediately after the explosion, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir visited the Danish embassy and said his government would take every step to ensure the security and protection of all diplomats stationed in Pakistan. Bashir said the Pakistani nation feels ashamed over the terrorist attack. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq said the security agencies have been asked to strengthen safety measures at embassies. A Toyota car that was suspected to have been used in the blast was beyond retrieval at the site. “I saw body parts flying in the area when I was entering my house close to the Danish embassy,” Ali Murad, a resident of the area, said. Salim Ahmed, an electrician who was working in an adjacent house, said he just fell on the ground when he heard the explosion. “The bang was so frightening that I fled out of the house.” He said many people died in the blast while several were crying for help. __
