Karachi, March 21: A new wave of political violence in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh has claimed the lives of at least 16 people, security official say.
Clashes broke out between supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Awami National Party (ANP) in the port city of Karachi, AFP reported.
The MQM, supporting the rights of migrants, is a partner in the Pakistan People’s Party-led coalition that rules Sindh province.
“At least 16 people belonging to coalition parties have been shot dead since Saturday,” said Sharfuddin Memon, the home ministry consultant of the province.
Memon said that “extremists outfits” were behind the fresh clashes.
“The militant organizations are involved in target killings in a bid to dislodge the government because we are taking action against them,” Memon said.
A fresh wave of violence hit Pakistan’s largest city and commercial capital since January when 17 people were shot dead.
In 2010, at least 155 people were killed in Karachi — which is plagued by ethnic and sectarian killings, crime and kidnappings — after a lawmaker was assassinated in August.
——-Agencies