Benazir's former security guard killed, violence erupts

42-year-old Shah, who headed the Peoples Unity Union of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), was killed by attackers on motorcycles who opened fire at his white Toyota Corolla near Kamran Chowrangi in the troubled Gulistan-e- Jauhar area yesterday.

Shah, who started his political career with the Peoples' Youth Wing (of the PPP), was Bhutto’s security guard when she returned to Pakistan in October 2007 to contest the general elections in the country.

The killing of the senior PPP activist sparked a fresh wave of violence in Pakistan's biggest city, claiming as many as 11 lives over the last 24 hours and leaving scores wounded.
The domestic and international operations of Pakistan's national carrier were also badly hit after employees went on a snap strike to protest and mourn the killing of Shah.

Shah, who succumbed to his injuries in a private hospital, was among the party's senior activists and he had served at many different posts in his 18 years with the party.

Witnesses said the gunmen intercepted Shah's car before shooting the PPP leader and his friend Mairaj Khalid Jagirani.

Karachi chief of police Saud Mirza said the assailants probably targeted the men shortly after they finished filling up fuel near Kamran Chowrangi.

He said it was too early to say anything about the motive behind the attack as the investigation was underway and details were being gathered.

As the news of the incident spread, agitated PPP workers reached the hospital seeking the arrest of the people responsible.

The fresh wave of violence began after two days of calm in the metropolis.