KARACHI, July 30: Despite the presence of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Karachi and a peace rally organised by the Sindh government, bloodshed claimed at least 12 lives in the city on Saturday.

The eastern district of the metropolis turned into a battleground where armed groups exchanged gunfire and hand-grenades.Residents in some parts of Landhi stayed indoors amid heavy gunfire in the second half of the day.

Police found a body of a young man in the Defence Society area. Officials said the man was kidnapped more than a week ago.

Activists and leaders of the Pakistan People’s Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Awami National Party, Sunni Tehrik, Pakistan Muslim League (Functional) and Jamaat-i-Islami mingled during the peace rally and vowed to foil the designs of terrorists and extremists. At a meeting with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah at the Governor’s House, the prime minister expressed the resolve to restore peace in the city.

According to a statement issued by the Governor’s House the prime minister said “all political forces must strive together for peace and security throughout the country in order to create a conducive environment to step up the pace of development”.

Mr Gilani, who arrived here on a two-day visit, also appreciated the solidarity and support expressed by MQM chief Altaf Hussain for the peace rally.