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Pakistan death toll at 18
12/05/2007 13:42 - (SA)
Karachi, Pakistan - Gunbattles and attacks killed at least 18 people and wounded dozens Saturday as Pakistan's political crisis descended into violence between rival parties over President General Pervez Musharraf's suspension of the chief justice.
In one clash, pro-government and opposition activists traded assault rifle fire about 1km from Karachi's international airport. As volleys rang out, Kamran Ali, a newspaper vendor, told The Associated Press that three unidentified people traveling in a car were killed by the firing, and a woman passer-by was wounded.
Musharraf on Saturday ruled out declaring a state of emergency, as the turmoil sparked by his March 9 suspension of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry entered a new deadly phase. In comments reported by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan news agency, the military leader urged the nation to stand united and remain peaceful.
Officials contacted at three hospital in Karachi reported at least 18 people had died in the violence and 55 were wounded. Police reported more than 70 wounded, many from gunfire.
AP
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