Photographs: Majid Hussain/Reuters
At least 24 more people were killed and over 200 injured as violence continued in Karachi for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, taking the total death toll to 82.
Normal life remained paralysed in the financial capital of Pakistan as incidents of firing and arson, which had erupted after the assassination of Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader MPA Raza Haider, continued.
Karachi continues to burn
Image: Supporters carry the flag-draped coffin of MQM leader Raza HaiderPhotographs: Majid Hussain/Reuters
According to reports, dozens of vehicles and shops were torched by protestors in Murshid bazaar area of the city. Five houses were also set on fire in the same area, as police and rangers struggled to control the situation.
All schools, educational institutions, offices, commercial centres remained closed while both public and private transport remained off the roads.
Karachi continues to burn
Image: Rangers stand guard on high alert in KarachiPhotographs: Majid Hussain/Reuters
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani ruled out any military operation in Karachi even as the city continued to witness incessant bloodshed.
Talking to reporters aboard his special aircraft while surveying the flood affected areas of the north-western part of the country, Gilani urged the MQM and the Awami National Party to work out a joint strategy with the ruling Pakistan People's Party to deal with the issue.
article