The decision was taken after a high-level meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, to bring peace and normalcy to the city which has become a battleground between members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Awami National Party (ANP).

Gilani announced the government’s decision at a press conference after his meeting with the leadership of both the coalition partners — the MQM and the ANP.

Speaking earlier about the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said, “We also have the army option open to bring peace to Karachi.”

The prime minister, however, has completely ruled it out. “Army action never brings sustainable peace. We have to resolve political issues politically,” Gilani said.

Sindh’s Information Minister Jamil Soomro said, “Prime Minister Gilani believes in reconciliation and an army operation is not a solution.”

Clashes erupted in the port city after the killing of MQM leader and provincial lawmaker Raza Haider. The violence claimed over 100 lives while properties worth billions of rupees were damaged.