Day of mourning called after Karachi bombing kills six

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KARACHI, Pakistan, April 26 (UPI) -- A period of mourning was observed in Karachi, Pakistan, Friday, a day after a bomb blast killed six people at the office of a political party, officials said.

Twelve people were injured in the explosion at an election office for the liberal Muttahida Quami Movement, Dawn News reported.

The MQM announced Friday would be a day of mourning.

Businesses and schools were closed.

The outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.

Wasay Jalil, a spokesman for the MQM, said the bombing would not keep the party from participating in May 11 elections.

MQM leader Altaf Hussain, speaking to a gathering of law enforcement officials and members of various organizations, charged the state had failed in its duty to protect citizens.