Violence continued in Pakistan's port city of Karachi and the death toll from the current spate of targeted killings rose to 103 on Saturday, according to officials and media reports.
The increased violence and instability has brought Pakistan's biggest city to a grinding halt. Most of the city's marketplaces, schools and offices were closed and there was hardly any traffic on the roads. At least 17 people were killed in incidents of firing since overnight whereas 30 people lost their lives on Friday.
The metropolitan's Qasba Colony and its suburbs remained the worst affected areas while violence also spread to the southern and eastern parts of the city. As most of the people were staying at home fearing more violence, the residents of Qasba colony and its adjoining areas were forced to flee for safer places.
Spokesman for Sindh Rangers said that personnel of the paramilitary force had helped evacuate hundreds of people trapped in the violence-hit areas.
"We are moving the families to safe places and the exercise continues. Rangers troops helped mainly people in Qasba Colony and adjoining areas," he said.
The government has ordered the security forces to shoot on sight to stem violence in the country's industrial and commercial centre.
"We have issued orders to the security forces to shoot anyone involved in violence on the spot," Sharjeel Memon, the provincial information minister, said.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Death Toll in Karachi Violence Climbs to 103
