Karachi: At least nine people were killed and scores injured in Pakistan`s financial capital Karachi on Tuesday as a fallout of political violence triggered by the shooting of an MQM leader and his brother by unidentified
gunmen.
The gunmen entered the home of Muttahida Qaumi Movement
(MQM) leader Mansoor Mukhtar at PIB Colony this morning and
gunned him down. Mukhtar`s brother succumbed to his injuries
in hospital while his sister-in-law too was injured, MQM
officials said.
On hearing of Mukhtar`s killing, large number of workers
of Mutthaida-e-Qaumi Movement (MQM), which has widespread
support in the city, gathered outside the hospital where his
body was taken.
Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from various
areas of Karachi, including Malir, Landhi and Nazimabad.
Nine people were killed and scores injured in many parts
of the city while miscreants torched at least 48 vehicles in
different areas to escalate the tension, according to police
and rescue officials.
Pakistan’s biggest city was deserted as markets, banks,
educational institutions were shut down after the MQM gave a
called for a day of mourning.
The MQM lawmakers staged a walkout in Parliament which
was discusses Pakistan`s foreign policy.
"When the government can`t control the law and order
situation internally what is the purpose of discussing our
foreign policy," MQM parliamentarian and senior leader Haider
Abbas Rizvi told reporters outside parliament in Islamabad.
Senior MQM leader Sagheer Ahmed blamed Mansoor Mukhtar`s
killing on the Aman Committee, a group that is reportedly
linked to leaders of the Pakistan People`s Party.
Thousands attended the funeral of the two slain brothers
as the MQM leadership blamed Ali Ahmed, a member of the Aman
committee, for the killings.
Police said firing incidents were reported from PIB
Colony, Gulshan, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Malir, Jaffer Tayar,
Rafa-e -Aam Society, Kala Board, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi,
Landhi, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Nagan Chowrangi, New Karachi,
North Karachi and Saddar areas.
There were also reports of firing and violence from
other cities of Sindh province, including Hyderabad, Nawabshah
and Sukkur.
No group claimed responsibility for the killing.
There is growing fears of more violence amid rising
tension between the MQM and the Pushtun-dominated Awami
National Party in the provincial capital.
Pakistan`s main financial hub has been rocked by ethnic
and political violence several times in the past few years.
Hundreds of people have died in the violence.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain, who lives in self-exile in
London, appealed to his supporters to remain calm.
The party also appealed to the President, Prime Minister
and government of Sindh province, of which Karachi is the
capital, to take action to stop the killing of its workers.
Local residents said paramilitary forces and police were
unable to check the violence. Fire fighters could not reach
the sites of blaze as they feared attacks.
PTI
