Strike cripples Karachi

Rescue workers and hospital staff stand over bodies of men, who were killed by unidentified gunmen, after they were brought to a morgue in Karachi.

Rescue workers and hospital staff stand over bodies of men, who were killed by unidentified gunmen, after they were brought to a morgue in Karachi.

Published Aug 23, 2011

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Karachi - A strike called by a political party has largely crippled Pakistan's largest city as the death toll from roughly a week of violence hit at least 96.

Businesses, schools and government offices are closed in Karachi, while public buses and taxis are staying off the roads.

The city's lead political party, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, called Tuesday's strike in protest of recent violence.

City police chief Saud Mirza says at least 10 more bodies were found overnight, some stuffed in sacks. Gangs allegedly linked to rival political parties are suspected in the bloodshed.

Karachi, a city of 18 million, has a long history of political, ethnic and sectarian violence. - Sapa-AP

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