Two killed in clashes following burial of Karachi blast victims
KARACHI: The atmosphere in Pakistan’s commercial capital turned tense after mourners buried some of the victims of the previous days bombing that killed 48 people in a Shia-dominated area of Karachi.
At least two people were killed and several wounded as clashes broke out in the city's Sohrab Goth area after armed men opened fired on mourners returning from the funeral procession.
Participants of the funeral procession came under heavy fire near Al-Asif square in Sohrab Goth area, DawnNews reported.
Officials said gunmen shot and killed two people as they were returning from the funeral for victims of the massive bombing.
Police official Qamar Ahmad said some members of the Shia community attending Monday’s funeral set fire to buses in the neighborhood.
After the funeral, when they moved through the same area, gunmen opened fire on the group and wounded several protesters.
Dr. Saleem Memon, who works at the hospital where the wounded were taken, said two men died and another 13 were wounded.
Sporadic bursts of gunfire were reported in the Sohrab Goth and near Abbas Town areas following the incidents.
According to reports, four Rangers personnel were also wounded in the clashes.
According to some estimates, up to 30 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and an ambulance were said to have been set on fire.
Enraged men also attacked members of DawnNews TV crew, setting their vehicle fire.
A DawnNews reporter and a cameraman also received injuries and were later shifted to the hospital.