Pakistan legislator, 3 others gunned down in Karachi

Karachi: A Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader and three others, including two policemen, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in this southern Pakistani port city, triggering protests by the party’s workers.

The attackers, who were riding motorcycles, escaped after the shooting.     No group claimed responsibility for the incident. MQM leaders said Imam may have been targeted for speaking out against attacks on the minority Shia community.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf condemned the assassination of Imam. Zardari directed authorities to make every effort to nab the killers.

The MQM announced a three day mourning period while it was announced that all private schools would also remain closed on Friday.