Sunday, November 30, 2008

PAKISTAN CONTINUES TO DEVOLVE: 17 DEAD, SCORES WOUNDED IN KARACHI RIOTS

NZ NEWS:
At least 13 people were killed and more than 70 injured when activists from rival political parties clashed in Pakistan's largest city Karachi , officials said on Sunday.

Troops were authorised to use guns to quell the violence as members of the ruling coalition party Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) clashed with the Pashtun nationalist Awami National Party.

"In different incidents of firing by rioters, 13 people have been killed and dozens of others injured," Karachi police chief Waseem Ahmed said.

The rioters set shops on fire at the city's Timber Market and also torched push-carts in other areas of the city, witnesses said.

Doctors at Karachi's main state-run hospital said they had seen 77 people wounded in the riots since late on Saturday.

The provincial government has deployed about 800 paramilitary rangers in the sensitive areas to help police control the situation, but intermittent gunfire continued in different parts of Karachi on Sunday afternoon.

Authorities shut down petrol stations across the port city, fearing further damage after mobs set fire to cars.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has asked the provincial government to deal sternly with rioters, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan said.
IBN:
Seventeen people have so far been killed in various incidents of firing and violence during the last 24 hours in the city and the situation still could not be controlled.

The series of violence and terrorism, beginning from Banaras Chowk on Saturday evening, continues so far in various areas of the city.

Unknown persons torched 19 vehicles, six shops, one warehouse and a marriage hall in various areas of the metropolis.

Dead bodies and wounded persons were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Qatar Hospital.

Situation is still tense in various areas including Banaras Colony, Orangi Town and North Nazimabad.
THINGS WERE BETTER UNDER MUSHARRAF.

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