KARACHI, Sept 20: Two activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement were shot dead by unknown persons in Landhi on Wednesday. Police said Saleem, 30, and Rais, 35, workers of unit 81, had stopped some suspicious looking persons riding on a motorcycle in Gulshan Market in Landhi 6.

However, the motorcyclists opened fire at them and escaped.

Both the victims were rushed to the nearby hospital where they died.

The dead were members of the sector committee of unit 81.

Following the incident, tension gripped the entire Landhi and Korangi area, forcing suspension of all business and commercial activities.

Enraged youths set tyres on fire, blocking the roads and suspending traffic.

Police carried out several raids but failed to arrest any suspects.

Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by the international secretariat of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, MQM chief Altaf Hussain condemned the killings and expressed grief over the tragic incident.

In the condolence statement, Mr Husain expressed condolence with the bereaved families.