13 killed in target-killing spree in Karachi

ISLAMABAD - At least 13 people, including five activists of different political parties, have died in a fresh spate of target killing in Pakistan’s largest metropolis Karachi since Sunday.

Karachi has long been a victim of target killing and the fresh incidents follow the murder of MQM top leader Imran Farooq in London Sep 16. The city remained closed for a couple of days after the assassination amid fears of deterioration in law and order.

Unidentified assailants riding a motorbike opened fire at a roadside café near UP roundabout that killed two people on the spot while one person died of injuries on the way to hospital. All the dead were reported to be workers of religious outfit Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat.

Police said that one person was killed in Malir area while three others were killed in Korangi. Firing near Yousaf Plaza killed political worker Farhan, while Tanveer was killed in Rizvia Society.

“General public is being killed at will and the rulers or the law enforcement agencies are not bothered,” lamented a resident, Abdul Ghafoor.

Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza has ordered the capital city police to “arrest the culprits who are causing this law and order situation”.

“We will not let anybody harm the peace in the city which is the financial backbone of the country,” he vowed.

(Awais Saleem can be contacted at ians.pakistan@gmail.com)