At least one person was killed and 13 others injured in a blast in Karachi's Saddar area, Aaj News reported on Thursday.

The blast caused damage to nearby shops and vehicles. Security forces and rescue officials arrived at the site and the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. The area has been cordoned off.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a report from Additional IG and Commissioner Karachi.

He directed the police, Rangers, and district administration to reach the site of the incident and help people.

According to the preliminary probe report, an improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the attack. Around 2 to 2.5 kilogrammes of explosives were used in the explosion.

Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar informed Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah that it appeared that the IED was attached to a motorbike.

"Bomb disposal and CTD team are inspecting the site," IGP informed Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared at Karachi's Civil Hospital and Jinnah Hospital.

Three Chinese nationals among 4 killed by female suicide bomber in Karachi university

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the blast and directed Sindh Chief Minister to provide the best medical facilities to the injured.

Finance Minister Miftah Ismail also expressed sorrow and grief over the attack. "My heart goes out to all the victims of the bomb blast in Karachi today. Prayers for them and their loved ones," he tweeted.

"I am confident that law enforcement agencies will get to the bottom of this."

Last month, at least four people including three Chinese nationals were killed and two injured after a suicide blast targeted a van carrying staff from the Confucius Institute at Karachi University.