By Aamir Latif
KARACHI
A protester died when hundreds clashed with Pakistani security forces during a raid on the offices of a controversial political party in the commercial capital of Karachi.
The official paramilitary known as the Rangers raided the headquarters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and arrested several alleged criminals taking refuge there.
Around 500 party activists gathered outside the headquarters located in a central district of Karachi after the raid.
Eyewitnesses said security personnel fired into the air to disperse the angered activists, allegedly resulting in the death of a protester and injuries to two others.
The news of the death has created panic in Karachi with schools, business centers markets and gas stations closed. Public transport vehicles were also removed from the roads.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement is a Karachi-based party which was established to represent Pakistan's Urdu-speaking population. It holds sway in parts of southern Sindh province, including Karachi, where it holds almost a third of seats in the provincial assembly.
The party has regularly been accused of using violence, including targeted killings, against political rivals.
