Six killed, 13 vehicles burnt overnight in Karachi

KARACHI:

Six people were shot dead and three others were injured after a wave a violence took over Karachi last night on Thursday.

At least 13 vehicles were also torched in the city late night.

Reports of shooting incidents were received from the areas of Garden, Sachal Goth and Malir.

Sindh education minister had announced that all public and private schools will remain closed today (Friday), while Karachi University (KU) and Dow Medical University postponed all exams scheduled to be held today. New dates for the exams will be announced later.

Altaf Hussain appeals to people to remain calm

Meanwhile Muttahida Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain expressed grief over the killings.

In a statement from London, he said that it was unfortunate that terrorists were targeting the city and forcing shop keepers to close down shops.

Hussain appealed to party workers and the people of Karachi to remain calm in these circumstances.

Updated from print edition (below)

Man killed, 7 buses set on fire in Karachi

A man was killed while another was injured in separate incidents of violence in the city on Thursday night. According to reports seven vehicles have also been set on fire in different parts of the city. The deceased was identified as 25-year-old Talha. He was brought in a critical condition to the Civil hospital where  he succumbed to his injuries.

A conductor of a minibus running on route G-7 was injured after unknown attackers opened fire. The injured man was identified as Israr, 35.

Shops closed after unidentified persons resorted to indiscriminate firing in various localities in the Sindh metropolis, including the limits of Brigade, Taimuria, Shanti Nagar, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Burns’ Road and areas including Shipowner College, Saoora Chowk, Abdullah College and College Road.

A Route Number 20 bus was torched at the Boat Basin. The attackers were seen going towards Mai Kolachi. Another bus was torched in Ranchore Lines in Eidgah police station jurisdiction.

There have also been reports of firing from various parts of Hyderabad and there are reports of one person being injured as a result.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2011.