KARACHI: In a showdown between police and protestors on Monday, at least seven people were killed, while over two dozen others sustained bullet injuries.
Violence revisited Lyari as agitated residents took to the streets and clashed with police over what they described 'biased operation' of law enforcement agencies against the residents of Lyari.
PPP leader killed
A local PPP leader Hassan Soomro was among those shot dead in this recent bout of violence in Lyari.
Soomro, vice president of the Pakistan People's party Lyari wing, was killed by gunshot wounds near Aath Chowk Lyari, when unidentified armed men opened fire on him Monday, Edhi ambulance sources said.
PPP MNA Nabeel Gabol confirmed that Soomro was standing at Aath Chowk when unidentified men attacked him.
MLO Civil Hospital also confirmed the death of the PPP leader. His body was shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) for medico-legal formalities.
Soomro’s killing led to protests in Malir 15, while protestors also blocked the National Highway.
Day-long protests Amid clashes during the day, police also found a trussed-up body of a man from Khadda Market who appeared to be in his thirties bearing torture marks.
Commercial activities in the area remained suspended as the protests began in the morning.
Angry protestors burnt tyres, pelted passing vehicles and police officials with stones.
A police van was attacked by hand grenades at Aath Chowk, while rockets were fired in Lee Market. In return, police resorted to aerial firing to disperse the mob which, however, aggravated the violence.
Sources said the killing of an activist of the banned Peoples Aman Committee (PAC), Saqib Pathan on Sunday by the police officials of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) within the remit of Chakiwara police station triggered protests across Lyari.
The protesters demanded that police officials involved in the Lyari operation and Sundays encounter should be apprehended.
A heavy contingent of police and Rangers were deployed to control the protestors.
President calls 'core committee' meeting
President Asif Ali Zardari today called a special core committee meeting at Karachi’s Bilawal House to discuss the overall law and order situation in Karachi with special emphasis on Lyari.
He ordered law enforcement authorities to take non-discriminatory actions to restore peace of Karachi, Manzoor Wassan told reporters.
Violence in other parts of the city
Earlier in the morning clashes between two groups sparked heavy gunfights in Sikandar Goth area of Sachal.
One person was killed and two other were injured as a result of the firing after which tension gripped the area.
Unknown gunmen opened fire near Al-Asif square, killing one person. The dead body of the deceased was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.
Three other people were injured by firing in Machar Colony area.
Attack at an ice-cream parlour near Lighthouse area killed one woman. The body was taken to Civil Hospital.
According to the police, the incident was a result of personal enmity.
One person died of gunshot wound under mysterious circumstances in Bin Qasim Town of Karachi.
Unknown gunmen opened fire at a car in Essa Nagri, injuring one person. The injured person is stated to be a political party worker.
Incidents of firing by unknown gunmen were also reported in Tin Hatti, Pak colony, Muwach Goth.
According to a report, at least 381 people have lost their lives at the hands of violence and unrest in Karachi this year.
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