Security crackdown after Karachi violence

Pakistani security forces have orders to “shoot on sight” after violent clashes between ethnic groups in Karachi left at least 24 people dead.

The army says the situation in the country’s financial capital is now under control but that the city remains very tense. The unrest erupted after tensions between Mohajirs and Pashtuns came to a head. Analysts say the disturbances are linked to the wider conflict in the country between Islamists and the government. Mohajirs, who dominate the city’s administration, are said to be suspicious of Pashtuns who, they believe, have strong Islamist sympathies. 24 people are known to have been killed in the violence but local media say the death toll may be higher than 30. Dozens of people were injured in the clashes. The bloodshed is likely to heighten concerns in the international community that Pakistan is slipping deeper into instability.More about: Pakistan

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