Islamabad: Blasts ripped through a Sunni religious school killing at least eight people and injuring more than 40 in Pakistan's Southern port city of Karachi yesterday (Aug 8, 2004), police and officials said.

The first explosion in the restaurant of "Jamia Binoria", the Sunni religious school, caused no casualties, Fayyaz Leghari, a Karachi police officer said.

When the people gathered at the venue of the blast, the second bomb went off, causing casualties. Three people died on the spot while others succumbed to injuries in hospitals.

Leghari confirmed death of eight persons, including some students of Jamia Binoria, which had close ties with Afghanistan Taliban.

The first bomb, which went off was tied to a bicycle, while the other was planted in a motorcycle. The blasts also smashed windows in the restaurant and some nearby buildings.

Police officials said the bomb disposal squad defused another bomb hidden in a plastic bag near the scene of the blasts.

"Jaima Binoria" was in news two months ago when the head of the Sunni religious school, Mufti Shamzai considered to be hardline cleric was killed by unidentified persons.

The Government in Southern Sindh province has announced inquiry into the blasts.

No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts.