Violence was also reported from Karachi and Khairpur, where in two incidents miscreants burnt a factory and a bank, in which 13 people suffocated to death, said Brigadier (retd) Gholam Mohtaram.

“Overall the situation today has been under more control since the deployment of the army in some parts of the province and increased patrolling by paramilitary troops,” he said.

He also said since Thursday night, around 500 vehicles were torched and 100 banks damaged in the province. But Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Cheema said those killed in riots numbered only 38.

Attacked

According to Mohtaram, railway stations across Pakistan were also attacked and hence rail service was affected. “We are hoping that with increased security now, the situation will get normal in the next few days,” he said.

Looting spree

Moreover, it became clear that people who have no political or religious affiliations were present in Benazir Bhutto’s funeral. Mourners who had attended the funeral found their vehicles and belongings under threat of robbery while returning home.

A security officer who didn’t want to be named said that they received reports about some criminals snatching vehicles and robbing people of cellphones, cash and other valuables.