KARACHI:  Gun shots were heard Friday evening near Karachi's Bolton market area where the Youm-e-Ali procession was supposed to pass through, DawnNews reported. 

According to reports, the crowd panicked after hearing the gunshots.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Commissioner Karachi Roshan Sheikh said that a group of people who were at the entry point of the procession opened fire on the security forces.

Responding to the attack, the Rangers resorted to aerial firing, the Commissioner added.

It is reported that two people had been injured.

A large number of mourners of the procession started to protest against the firing. Protesters caused damage to public property and police vehicles.

The organiser of the procession, Shabbir Zaidi, said " the aerial firing created panic situation in the procession."

"The bullets were fired neither by the mourners nor by the security forces, he claimed. Adding that, "situation is now under control."

Youm-e-Ali is observed every year on 21st of Ramazan to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (RA). Processions are taken out throughout the country.