25 killed in fresh violence, even as activists walk for peace

Karachi, Aug 1: Violence refused to die down in this Pakistani city with 10 more people killed on Sunday, Jul 31, raising the death toll to 25 in the past two days, even as people joined a government-supported peace rally to demand an end to the unabated killings.

Police and rescue officials confirmed that 10 more people were killed in the highly volatile areas of Orangi Town, Lyari, Landhi and Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

Fifteen people have been killed since Saturday, with firing incidents and violence reported from several areas of the city. Among the dead were political activists of different parties.

The violence continued as activists and supporters of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the Awami National Party (ANP) and others held a peace walk in the upmarket Clifton area.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also visited the city to show solidarity with the peace march.

Activists held white flags and chanted slogans of ''peace in Karachi'' and ''jeevay Pakistan'' (long live Pakistan), as they marched for peace. The highly publicised event was also attended by personalities from the film, television and sports world.

However, violence could not be controlled in several parts of the city. A police official said in almost all cases, the assailants came on motorcycles and fired indiscriminately, forcing the area to close down in panic and fear.

"In some cases activists of parties were targeted outside hotels and their residences," he added.

PTI