Pakistani Gunmen Kill 21 in Karachi

Gunmen have killed at least 21 Pakistanis in Karachi today in a hail of bullets that accompanies a special election to replace a lawmaker who was slain two months ago. The violence may be linked to the city's two main political parties, both of which are seeking the open seat, and the gangs they control, reports the AP. One party announced its withdrawal from the race last night as the shootings began.

"We cannot say whether all the killings were politically motivated or some gangs were involved because the killings took place in different parts of the city and were not confined to the area where the elections were being held," Karachi's police chief said. (More Pakistan stories.)