Karachi Killings Rise Sharply

Pakistan's Human Rights Commission says murders and violent crimes have risen sharply in the country's biggest city, Karachi. A report released by the nongovernmental organization late on July 15 says more than 1,700 violent deaths were reported in the southern seaport city during the first six months of 2013. It points to June as the most violent month, with more than 300 killings. The commission recorded more than 1,200 murders last year and nearly 1,100 in 2011. The report says that in the first half of 2013, more than 700 members of various political parties were killed in apparent targeted assassination campaigns. Nearly 100 police officers were killed, and more than 100 corpses were discovered. Karachi, a city of more than 20 million people, is plagued by ethnic, sectarian, and gang violence.