Businesses close as Karachi mourns 56 killed in a fresh wave of violence in the city.

Hundreds of mourner's take to the streets of Karachi in Pakistan after a wave of attacks leaves 56 people dead.

They shout anti-government slogans and condemn the latest violence.

The government has responded too, shutting the city down to prevent further attacks.

Karachi is the country's major economic hub but also the scene of political and ethnic rivalries and turf wars.

The violence started on Saturday ahead of an election to replace a provincial lawmaker murdered last August.

The country's Interior minister blamed the violence on a turf war between local criminal gangs.

[Rehamd Malik, Pakistani Interior Minister]:
"For this I have given very strict instructions. We have arrested certain people yesterday. I have categorically told the DG (Director General) Rangers: 'I want all those boys who have done it.' God willing we will do it."

Some locals, however, suspect outside interference.

[Mohammad Yusaf, Garment Shop Salesman]:
"Those who are killing and those who are dying, have no idea why all this is happening. The assassins do not know who they are killing, and those who are dying do not know why they are being killed. This is some hidden hand that is trying to destroy the peace of Karachi. The residents of Karachi have no reason to kill one another."

Politicians are urging the army to go into the city and root out the criminals.

The violence is threatening the city's economy which accounts for a quarter of Pakistan's gross domestic product.

Hundreds of people have been killed in related violence this year.