PESHAWAR, July 8: Expressing deep concern over killing of innocent people in Karachi, the Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan has asked the government to take stern action against the killers and protect the lives of citizens.

In a statement issued here from the party's headquarters on Friday, Mr Khan said the time had come to take decisive action against the terrorists, who were committing atrocities in Karachi, otherwise the situation would further worsen.

Without naming any political party, the press release quoting the ANP chief said some elements were trying to exploit the situation in Karachi for their vested interests. He said 25 ANP workers had so far been killed during last three days in Karachi, which he said, 'added of a new chapter in the history of nationalist party's sacrifices for the country.'

Paying glowing tribute to those workers, he said their sacrifices would not go waste, adding, “ANP is following the philosophy of non-violence, which is our major weapon.” He said Pakhtun nation had rendered great sacrifices in development of Karachi and they would not allow anybody to destabilise it.

The ANP chief hailed the government's shoot at sight orders and demanded a full-fledge action to clean the Karachi of weapons and terrorists. He also demanded implementation on the report of a join investigation team. He asked the ANP workers to remain calm and peaceful.

Meanwhile, President, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Asad Qaiser on Friday alleged that Muttahida Qaumi Movement and other ruling parties in Sindh government were involved in the mayhem in Karachi.

Speaking at a press conference at Peshawar press club, he said that it was the responsibility of the Pakistan People's Party, Awami National Party and MQM to chalk out a strategy aimed at steering the Karachi out of the existing turmoil.

These political parties should avoid leg-pulling and blame game for the killing of innocent people in Karachi, he said. He termed the violence in the business hub as civil war where no one was safe while on the other hand the political parties were making all out efforts to hold onto this mega city through different tactics including target killings, occupying lands and extortion money.

Mr Qaiser criticised the government for its failure to maintain law and order situation and protect the life, honour, and property of the people.

He also condemned the baton charge on the PTI workers in Peshawar a few days ago, saying police thrashed the workers on the directives of the Senior Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour.

The press conference was also attended by secretary information Sahid Hussain Mohmand, district Peshawar president Zaffar Khattak and Arshad advocate.

Mr Qaiser further said Town-I municipal officer and police were ordered by the minister to whitewash the walls decorated with the PTI colour and removed flags of the party hoisting on the homes of the party activists.