At least two persons were shot dead and 10 others injured today when clashes erupted between security forces and staff of Pakistan International Airlines who were protesting at Karachi's international airport against the planned privatisation of the ailing national flag carrier.
Security personnel said that in a bid to disperse demonstrators of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), they resorted to lathicharge and fired rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas shells.
Though two of the protesters died of bullet wounds, Rangers and police denied "handling protesters violently" and firing at the site near Jinnah International Airport here.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called for implementation of the Essential Services Act.
Pakistan yesterday enforced Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against PIA as the employees of the ailing national carrier announced an indefinite strike from today following the failure of talks with the government on the proposed privatisation move.
Pakistan Airlines Cabin Crew Association President Nasrullah Khan said that the strike would go ahead as the government has not accepted their four-points agenda.
A heavy contingent of Rangers and police personnel were deployed at the site to prevent protesters from entering the cargo gate and moving onto Jinnah Avenue, DawnNews reported.
Television footage showed security personnel firing tear gas shells and water cannons at protesters as they attempted to force their way into the cargo gate.
Inayat Raza, a member of PIA's engineering department, died after being shot in his chest. Saleem also died in the incident. Officials said that at least 10 persons were injured in the incident.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General East Kamran Fazal said bullet casings have been collected to ascertain who opened fire on the protesters. He claimed the bullets were not fired by policemen.
The Pakistan government has postponed the planned privatisation of its national flag carrier after ongoing protests by PIA employees.
According to sources Pakistan has already decided to offload several big organisations running into losses, including PIA, under an agreement with IMF and will ultimately sell it.
Though, the government is giving the impression that with sale of limited share it was not going to privatise PIA.
