Karachi: At least 28 people lost their lives in Pakistan's commercial capital in target killings and fresh bout of violence, while 30 others were injured, as political tensions escalated between the ruling PPP and its estranged ally the MQM.
Sindh Chief Minister, Qaim Ali Shah held a meeting to review the situation in the city that has shown no signs of improvement in the last 48 hours.
The CM directed the para-military Rangers for strict action against the miscreants.
By late Wednesday night police and rescue officials said the number of victims of the violence that included drive by target killings had risen to 28 with around 30 injured as well.
The day started with bodies of five people being recovered from a mini-bus on Shabbir Usmani Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The bodies were shifted to hospital by ambulances.
All five people met their deaths by receiving gunshots. A man was shot to death in Baldia Town later this afternoon.
The worst affected flashpoint was Orangi Town, where at least 14 people were killed in firing incidents in different areas since yesterday.
The escalation of violence came a week after the Mutthaida-e-Qaumi Movement broke ranks with the Pakistan Peoples Party-led government and opted to sit in opposition.
MQM leader, Altaf Hussain delivered a stark warning from London, saying if his party workers continue to be targetted, strike calls would be given until the government was brought down.
In tragic developments highlighting the growing ethnic division between the Urdu-speaking MQM and Pashtun speaking Awami National Party, a number of bodies were recovered since yesterday.
Tension still prevails in the area with shops and markets closed on Wednesday. People who live in the area are still besieged at their residences due to regular firing by miscreants.
Police said they had arrested at least 20 suspects from the Orangi Town area, who were involved in target killings in the metropolis.
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