16 killed, 24 wounded in Karachi target killings ahead of by-polls

Karachi, Oct 17 (ANI): 16 people were gunned down and around two dozen wounded in the commercial capital of Pakistan, following the Awami National Party's announcement to boycott the by-elections due on October 17 (today).

After ANP Sindh President Shahi Syed declared that the party was boycotting the by-polls in Orangi Town, incidents of violence escalated and exposed the failure of the security agencies in maintaining peace, the Daily Times reported.

Despite Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Ali Mirza's orders to law enforcement agencies to ensure foolproof security, the city echoed with sounds of firing.

Two men were gunned down and another two wounded in Bukhari Colony as unidentified men on motorcycles opened fire on a passenger minibus near Bakra Piri, the Orangi Town police said.

A shop, packed with customers, was also attacked by two unidentified motorcyclists in Timber Market, the Baldia Town police said. The shop owner was killed and three customers wounded in the assault.

Similar incidents were reported in Mirza Adam Khan Road, Northern Bypass, Asif Colony and Rasheedabad. (ANI)