Plain-clothed police officials survey the site of an explosion in Karachi April 21, 2011. At least 15 people were killed and several wounded when a bomb ripped through a club for card players in Pakistan's biggest city of Karachi on Thursday, police said. [Photo/Agencies]

KARACHI - At least 15 people were killed and several wounded when a bomb ripped through a club for card players in Pakistan's biggest city of Karachi Thursday, police said.

"It was most likely a planted bomb, and it took place inside the club," police official Saqib Sultan told Reuters. "I can confirm that 15 people are dead so far and at least 20 are wounded."

Hospital officials said at least 35 people were wounded.

No one claimed responsibility for the bombing at the club, which is in an area known for turf wars between criminal gangs.

Officials said that the club was also run by criminals and was home to illegal gambling. They suspected that the attack might be a result of a gang war.

Karachi has a long history of bloody feuds between rival ethnic, political and sectarian groups, in which hundreds of people have been killed.

Militants linked to al Qaeda and Taliban have also carried out attacks in the city in the past.