Election violence kills 11 in Pakistan

An armed clash between supporters of rival political parties left at least 11 people dead during local government elections in Southern Pakistan on Saturday, officials said.

The violence erupted in Khairpur district, 449 kilometres(seven miles) northwest of the port city of Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province, with the two groups exchanging fire.

"The two groups belonging to the Pakistan Peoples Party, which rules Sindh province, and the Pakistan Muslim League, headed by a famous spiritual leader Pir Sahab Pagara, clashed with each other just an hour before the end of polling time," local police official Pir Muhammad Shah told AFP.

Khairpur has a history of political tension and armed clashes between the PPP and PML(F) during elections.

Shah said army troops have been deployed in the area to bring the situation under control.

A senior local official, Munawar Mitthani also confirmed the incident and casualties.

The first phase of the election was held in eight districts of Sindh on Saturday while the second phase is scheduled for November 21 when the remaining 19 districts will vote.

Source: AFP