LOC18:05
15:05 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (KUNA) -- More than fifteen people were killed and an
equal number of others were wounded Tuesday evening in shooting incidents in
Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, said police.
Unknown gunmen, riding three motorcycles, opened indiscriminate fire in
Sher Shah Market of the city, killing at least twelve and wounding about ten
others. Police sources told KUNA that the shooting triggered a stampede in the
busy market that further wounded several people.
Local news channels showed rescuers rushing the wounded to nearby hospitals
and heavy police deployment at the site. Earlier in the morning, three more
people were killed in target-killing incidents in several parts of the city.
The incident led to closure of markets and bazaars and high security alert
in the city.
Shermila Farooqi, a provincial minister, condemning the incident, said that
security was on high alert to bring the situation under control. She said
police has arrested several suspects in this regard.
Security situation of Karachi, Pakistans economic jugular vein,
deteriorated last week as by-elections for a provincial assembly seat were
scheduled for Saturday. Although, the election went as per schedule and
Muhajir-dominated Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) won the seat, the security
situation remains precarious in the city. More than sixty people have been
killed since last week and over a hundred others are said to be wounded. (end)
amn.ajs
KUNA 191805 Oct 10NNNN