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Death Toll From Street Battles in Karachi Rises to 37

13 May 2007

Supporters of Pakistani opposition party run after setting on fire a vehicle during a gun battle between two rival groups in Karachi, 12 May 2007
Supporters of Pakistani opposition party run after setting on fire a vehicle during a gun battle between two rival groups in Karachi, 12 May 2007

Pakistani police say the death toll from two days of street battles in Karachi has risen to 37, with another 130 people wounded.

At least one person was killed Sunday and shooting has been heard in several city neighborhoods. Pakistani police also fired tear gas to disperse protesters who were blocking roads with burning tires.

Streets in other parts of Karachi were deserted as Pakistani security forces increased patrols to try to restore order.

Most of those killed in Karachi died Saturday in street battles between opposition and government supporters. It was the worst political violence in Pakistan in years.

The fighting began when pro-government activists tried to stop opposition groups from gathering in Karachi to support suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf suspended Chaudhry in March on charges of official misconduct. General Musharraf appealed Saturday for an end to the violence but refused to declare a state of emergency.

The Pakistani president's removal of Chaudhry sparked outrage among Pakistan's judiciary and opposition parties, and triggered a series of protests nationwide.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

 

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