Violence triggered by MQM chief Altaf Hussain's demand for a separate province for 'Muhajirs' claimed 11 lives in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi today.
Violence erupted in parts of southern Sindh soon after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief yesterday demanded a separate province for Urdu-speaking people who had migrated from India during Partition in 1947.
Unidentified gunmen opened fire at a juice shop in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area, killing the shop owner and two other people. Four persons were severely injured in the attack and were shifted to a private hospital for treatment.
In a separate incident, two brothers were also shot dead in the area.
Violence broke out in the Gulshan Iqbal, Gulshan-e- Jauhar and Nipa chowrangi areas this morning with protesters stoning vehicles and resorting to firing.
The protesters, who also blocked traffic on roads, were demonstrating against Hussain's remarks.
"Some people have been arrested this morning for firing and causing damage to property," a police officer said.
Two madarassa students were gunned down at Nipa Chowrangi. A man was shot dead near Indus Plaza and two persons were killed in the areas of Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Golimar.
A police officer, who sustained injuries in firing in Sachal Goth area earlier today, died in a hospital later.
Karachi, a city of 18 million people which contributes 42 per cent of Pakistan's GDP, is plagued by violence with incidents of kidnappings, murder and ethnic, sectarian and political violence regularly taking place in the city.
Pakistan's commercial hub, Karachi is a stronghold of the 'Muhajir' community.
