At least nine people were killed and several others wounded in riots on Wednesday, after a clash between two groups of lawyers spread outwards from the City Courts building. According to preliminary reports, one group of lawyers assembled at the City Courts at 2pm to protest against the manhandling of former Sindh chief minister Arbab Rahim and former minister Sher Afgan Niazi. Around 2.30pm, another group of lawyers attacked the first group. Faisal Sabzwari, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MPA, told AFP that lawyers from his party were protesting against the public beating of Niazi when they were attacked. “Ten were injured including a female lawyer,” he said.
Following the clashes, the injured were transferred to Civil Hospital, Karachi, where MQM leaders tried to visit them. Unidentified men attacked the MQM workers en route, and MQM MPA Muqeem AlamÂ’s car was damaged. As news of the incident spread, people throughout Karachi rioted to protest the attack.
40 vehicles: At least 40 vehicles were torched throughout the city. Two bodies were also brought to hospital. “A paramedic from a local hospital was sitting in his ambulance when it was caught in the crossfire between the two groups. A bullet killed him,” local police officer Suleman Syed told AFP.
Seven bodies: At about 4pm, Tahir Plaza — home to several lawyerss’ offices due to its proximity to the City Courts — was set ablaze and completely destroyed. Following the blaze, seven bodies, including that of a child, were recovered from the remains of the building, according to Police Surgeon Dr Bashir Sheikh. He said DNA testing would be conducted to correctly identify them..