Karachi violence rocks Pak assembly

Opposition leaders made fiery speeches to protest the manhandling of former Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim in the Sindh assembly by Pakistan People8217;s Party workers on Monday and the assault of former federal minister Sher Afghan Niazi by a mob of lawyers and other persons in Lahore on Tuesday.

Led by leader of Opposition Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the members of the PML-Q, PML-F and MQM then walked out of the House. They were not swayed by requests by the ruling PPP to end the boycott.

Prime Minister Gillani strongly condemned the attacks on Rahim and Niazi and the violence that erupted in Karachi on Wednesday following clashes between two groups of lawyers.

He said the incidents were the outcome of 8220;conspiracies, unjustified behaviour and mischievous acts8221; that were being fuelled by those who wanted 8220;to derail the democratic process which this government is aspiring for, to bring about consensus, tolerance and national cohesion8221;.

Noting that the people had given a 8220;clear mandate in favour of the democratic process8221;, he said his government would not allow 8220;anti-democratic forces to succeed in their unholy attempts8221;.