15 killed in violence in Pakistan

Violence refused to die down in Pakistan's biggest city with as many as 15 people, including political activists, killed in two days of firing incidents, even as people joined a government-supported peace rally to demand an end to the unabated killings.

Police and rescue officials confirmed that 15 people were killed since yesterday, with firing incidents and violence reported from several areas of the city. Among the dead were political activists of different parties. Police said they found found bodies of three men bearing torture marks, stuffed in gunny bags in two areas.

The violence continued as activists and supporters of the Pakistan Peoples Party, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the Awami National Party and others held a peace walk in the up-market Clifton area.

Activists held white flags and chanted slogans of 'peace in Karachi' and 'jeevay Pakistan' (long live Pakistan), as they marched for peace. However, violence could not be controlled in several parts of the city. A policeman and a number of political activists of different parties were among those killed as violence broke out in areas like Nishtar road, Ranchore lines, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Quaidabad.

A police official said in almost all cases, the assailants came on motorcycles and fired indiscriminately, forcing the area to close down in panic and fear.

"In some cases activists of parties were targeted outside hotels and their residences," he added.