Thaindian News

Islamabad, March 27 (IANS) At least 10 people were killed and over 50 vehicles torched as violence escalated in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi Tuesday over the killing of a local party leader, a media report said.

The violence broke out hours after Mansoor Mukhtar, a local leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his home in a colony early Tuesday, Xinhua reported citing local Urdu TV channel Dunya.

MQM blamed its rival “Peoples Peace Committee” for the killing of its party worker, but the group denied involvement in the incident.

Thousands of MQM supporters took to the streets in different parts of the city in protest and set ablaze many vehicles while firing in the air.

At least one person was killed in the firing and two dozens vehicles were set on fire, said police.

The situation deteriorated as more deaths and arson of vehicles were reported in the following hours.

The violent protest virtually brought life in the city to a standstill.

The Karachi Transport Union halted transport services. Markets and main universities in the city were also closed, with the exams scheduled for Tuesday postponed.

An official of the Petroleum Dealers Association said all fuel stations would remain closed in the wake of an oil tanker being set on fire in Korangi, Geo News reported.

Firing was also reported in Hyderabad, the second major city after Karachi in Sindh province.