Pakistani fire fighters struggle to extinguish a fire torched by rioters at a timber market in Karachi, Pakistan, 30 Nov 2008

At least 17 people have been reported killed and more than 60 hurt in clashes between rival ethnic and political groups in the Pakistani city of Karachi over the past two days.

Security forces are patrolling Karachi Sunday to prevent further violence between members of a political party that represents Urdu speakers, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, and another that represents Pashtuns, Awami National Party.  Troops have been given orders to use their guns if necessary.

Since Saturday, angry mobs have rampaged in parts of the city, firing guns and setting fire to cars.

Today in northwest Pakistan, police say militants attacked a security post in the town of Bannu, close to the Afghan border, killing three police.  Three militants were killed in the fighting.

In nearby Lakki Marwat, another three policemen were killed when Taliban insurgents launched rockets at a security checkpoint.

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