KARACHI: Hundreds of residents of Lyari’s Bihar Colony staged a protest asPPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led a rally of his supporters in thearea to kickstart his election campaign.

According to reports, protesters pelted the convoy with stones, smashingwindows of the vehicles.

At least two PPP workers have been injured in the attack.

Bilawal’s convoy remains stuck in the area for half an hour as police andPPP worker are unable to diffuse the situation.

“Under a planned conspiracy, attempts are being made to defame Lyari,” aPPP candidate told media.

Yousuf Baloch, a central PPP leader, said that the protest was being heldby his party’s old opponents.

“We can give a befitting response to our opponents, but our chairman hasadvised against it,” he said.

According to reports, the rally is being diverted to other areas where PPPenjoys good support.

Bilawal Bhutto spokesman Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar appealed to hisworkers to remain peaceful.

“Political parties indulging in violence cannot block our path. We will notrespond to violence with more violence but with a political process,” hesaid, urging district administration, police and Rangers to play their roleto address the issue.

The spokesman also called on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) totake notice of the violence.

He said that administration would be held responsible for tension if itfailed to stop elements who believe in violence.

The PPP chief is contesting from NA-246, Karachi.

“This is my first election and I’m contesting my first election from#Lyari. People of Lyari always supported my mother Shaheed Mohtarma BenazirBhutto and I know they will also support me. I will complete the mission ofSMBB,” he told his supporters during the visit.