Pakistan

Karachi remains tense

The death toll in Karachi rises to 51, with over 100 injured in violence following the killing of MQM MPA Raza Haider.

Express August 03, 2010

The death toll in Karachi rose to 51, with more than 100 injured in overnight violence triggered by the murder of MQM MPA Raza Haider.

Tuesday saw a complete strike in the city, as Rangers personnel carried out investigations and rounded up 50 suspects on charges of arson and carrying weapons. Over 20 vehicles and a number of restaurants and shops were set on fire in the city.

CID arrests three suspects in Karachi

The Crime Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday arrested three suspects along with explosives in Karachi for the murder of MQM MPA Raza Haider that took place on Monday.

Meanwhile Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday said that the Awami National Party was not involved in the assassination of MQM MPA Raza Haider in Karachi on Monday.

He also said that banned organizations Sipah-e-Sahaba and Tehrik-e-Taliban have been involved in target killing incidents in Karachi. He also urged the MQM and ANP leadership to ask the public in the city to remain calm.

Malik said that Haider's murder is a conspiracy to make the two parties clash with each other.

Death toll in Karachi reaches 47

Forty-seven people were killed and more than 100 were injured in overnight violence in Karachi triggered by the murder of MQM MPA Raza Haider.

Security has been beefed up in the city on Tuesday morning after arson attacks and firing was reported from Landhi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony and other areas overnight. According to reports, 12 suspects have also been arrested.

Public transport is off the roads today after the MQM announced a three-day mourning period against its leader's killing. All market places, schools and educational institutions have been closed.

Meanwhile, strict security measures have been taken at Jinnah Ground where the funeral prayers of Raza Haider will be offered after Zuhr.

In Hyderabad, business activities have been halted as MQM is mourning over its leader's death.

Unidentified men burned tires and blocked roads in Latifabad and other areas in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, transport and CNG stations will remain closed in the city today. A heavy contingent of police and Rangers are patrolling Hyderabad to avoid any untoward situation.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik has termed Raza Haider's murder a conspiracy to make two parties clash with each other.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Malik said that the Karachi CCPO will present a probe report into the murder on Tuesday afternoon.

He also said that banned organizations Sipah-e-Sahaba and Tehrik-e-Taliban have been involved in target killing incidents in Karachi. He also urged the MQM and ANP leadership to ask the public in the city to remain calm.

COMMENTS (6)

Yasir Qadeer | 13 years ago | Reply Such achievements are a proof of vigilance of our security forces and how much committed they are to safe guard our lives despite all other issues.

Eraj danish | 13 years ago | Reply It is important that the rangers go into the city and try to control the situation. It is so sad to see one of the best cities of the country as a target of violence and blood bath. Time demands the unity of masses and fight against the violence in Pakistan.

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Syed A. Mateen | 13 years ago | Reply The law and order situation in the country has gone from bad to wrost during the PPP rule in the country and yet PPP claim that it is the only popular political party in the country? There is no human dignity in Pakistan and this is one of the core reasons that any one who can afford to run out from Pakistan is doing so at the first instance in order to save his life. Political statements in the print and electronic media of government officials does not mean any thing. People want to see what practically government is going to do in order to save the lives of the innocent people who are killed every now and then in the city as well as in the country and to protect the lives of its citizens it is the prime responsibility of the government. If government cannot restore peace in the city of Karachi and or Pakistan, than I think that the present sitting government of PPP should resign and handover the charge to some one else, who may be more capable in restoring peace in the city of Karachi and in rest of the country. Is PPP government is serious in restoring law and order situation than it should use its iron hand to stop killing of people at once or PPP government is just joking with the citizens when government officials pop up on TV screens and give lame excuses to the masses. How long people are going to listen to this non-sense? Is there any limit to target killings in the city or not?

Zahid | 13 years ago | Reply The current police system is not workable anymore. My sincere advice to Mr. President and Rehman Malik to change the police order. The entire police department is corrupt and are making money only. They are useless. Replace them with Rangers.

shazia ahmad | 13 years ago | Reply facts should come infront of the nation.who did this? taliban and jihadi groups should traced by police ... what is the security level in karachi ?? i think all the institutions should play their role to overcome the situation.

Asif Khan | 13 years ago | Reply These three arrested with explosive and still calling suspects. Amazing. What we will do with these three suspects as they arrested with explosives. Keep them in police custody and maximum send them to jail and from there they will release after certain period. Good law in practice.

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