2 killed, 12 injured in clashes between PIA staff and police

At least two persons were shot dead and 12 others injured on Tuesday during clashes between security forces and staff of Pakistan International Airlines protesting at Karachi's international airport against the planned privatisation of the ailing national flag carrier.

The clashes led to the disruption and then suspension of many domestic and international flights around the country's main airports.

The incident took place near the Jinnah International Airport here after the joint action committee which represents all unions of PIA gave a complete strike call for on Tuesday despite the government enforcing Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) under which all union activities were suspended and employees told to report on duty.

Though two of the protesters died of bullet wounds, Rangers and police denied opening fire at the site. Kamran Afzal, the Deputy Inspector General (East Zone), has denied that the police backed by paramilitary rangers had opened fire on the protesting employees including women.

"The police fired tear gas shells and used water cannons but no shots were fired. Police officials on duty say gun fire was opened from within the crowd. We are investigating and will find out the truth after examining the two submachine gun shells that were found from the site," he said.

Pakistan on Monday enforced ESMA against PIA as the employees of the ailing national carrier announced an indefinite strike from on Tuesday following the failure of talks with the government on the proposed privatisation move. Pakistan Airlines Cabin Crew Association President Nasrullah Khan said that the strike would go ahead as the government has not accepted their four-point agenda.