Eight people killed in Karachi violence

Killing of a senior MQM leader today in a target killing sparked violence in Pakistan's commercial capital, sparking tension and riots in some parts of the city in which seven people lost their lives.

Adil Jafri the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) joint sector in-charge of Gulbahar area was shot dead in Nazimabad late evening by unknown assailants.

The target killing sparked off tension and riots in some parts of the city with television channels reporting seven casualties as a result of the violence and arson with heavy firing reported from many areas.

A police official said that the patrolling by police and rangers had been increased in the troubled areas after miscreants put on fire some shops, banks and transport.

Many petrol pump owners decided to shut down their business voluntarily fearing more violence.

The MQM which split from the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party led government on Sunday to sit on the opposition benches called on the government to take notice of the targeted killing of another of their senior worker.